Respect The Elderly

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Hey Everyone!

Just to let you know ahead of time, this coming week-end may be off-kilter for me. Tomorrow is the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life here in Comanche. I told my Team Captain from that I would stay "all night". This way if someone didn't show up or couldn't do it, it wouldn't fall ALL on her to do it. Saturday will be spent mostly sleeping I would imagine, as I am no "Spring Chicken" anymore. Of course this will depend on how long my hubby lets me sleep also.

Anyway, on with tonight's post.

Today's Seeds: "Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord."
Leviticus 19:32

There was a time when respect for the elderly was a given. Neighbors called older neighbors Mrs. and Mrs. Smith instead of using their first names. Teenagers settled down when older people told them they were too rowdy in public. children and adults listened to advice from older aunts and uncles. In business situations, counsel from the "old-timers" was heeded, and they were considered to be wise. Elders were, in a word, respected.

Although our society no longer respects the aged, God still wants Christians to value them. The Bible gives many examples of older people who played vital roles in Israel's history. Moses is one example.

When Moses was eighty, God sent him to rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. After the people left Egypt, God gave Moses the long list of laws mentioned in Leviticus. These laws, such as do not steal, do not lie, and do not hate, told the Israelites how God wanted them to live and worship. God showed the importance he placed on the elderly and how we should treat them by placing today';s seed in the middle of this long list of laws. We need to remember that obeying God and treating others with respect is a way of showing respect for God.


Dig Deeper: "Rise" in Hebrew not only means to get up from a sitting or lying position, but also to strengthen or to establish.


Background Bulb: Leviticus is a book of laws and regulations for worship. God gave the laws to Moses during the year that Israel camped at Mount Sinai. The phrase "I am the Lord" is used thirteen times in chapter 19. God wants us to know that he really means for us to obey these commands. He's not fooling around.

In Leviticus 19:10-31, most of the verses begin with the words "Do not." Verse 32 is a positive teaching rather than a prohibition. When we focus on what we can do rather than on what we shouldn't do, we'll discover that God's laws are for our good and for the good of those around us. It's a win-win situation.

Sprout & Scatter: Here are some ideas to help you strengthen or establish the older people around you. Take the time to visit them. Listen to them. Interact with them. Ask their opinions. The elderly have much to teach us if we listen. If you have no elderly people in your life, borrow some. Adopt a grandmother or grandfather at an area nursing home or retirement village. Be cautious, though. You may not be able to keep up with him or her. Seniors today are running marathons, winning tennis tournaments, volunteering, and even working long past retirement age.


Think About It: why do you think God added "and revere your God" after telling us to show respect for the elderly?


When was the last time you really listened to what an elderly person had to say?



Prayer Pot: Lord, help me to strengthen those who are older than me by....(Insert your thought).

Take-Away Idea: Respect the elderly and receive a blessing.



A couple of quick personal thoughts from me. Take time to show your parents respect and love. You don't know how long they will be around. My mom died when I was the ripe old age of 14 and my dad died back in '92. I have always felt a loss in my heart for my mom. I'd give anything if she were here for me to tell my secrets to, or ask advice. Another pet peeve of mine is adult children who put their parents in nursing homes and get too busy to go and see them. I understand that at some point elderly people may need more help than we can give them, but there is NO such thing as being too busy to go by and spend time with them or check on their needs. The way I look at it is the parents weren't too busy for us when we were growing up, they didn't forget to make sure we were fed, clothed and for the most part had what we needed, so now that they are elderly and need our help, it's our turn to help them. I say "our" because even though my parents are passed, my husband's parents are still alive and well. this is just a little "food for thought".


Good Night to All and May God Bless!