Christian Foundations
DEVOTIONAL ARCHIVE
But if a widow [or widower] has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. --1 Timothy 5:4
For some senior adults, moving toward dependency happens quickly as the result of an illness, a fall, an accident with long-term effects, and more. But, most seniors creep toward dependency at first unnoticed, then realized, and finally understanding and willingly.
Changes that continue to happen because of aging cause a senior citizen to finally understand: “I can’t do this by myself anymore. I need someone to help me out.” Depending on the individual, some may be eager and willing to accept the help of another, while others find it hard to admit what is happening.
The caregiver should be one who agrees to become responsible for one who decides to take on dependency. In the fifth commandment found in Exodus 20:12, “Honor your father and mother so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you,” the rationale in God’s plan is that family members are to look after one another.
Parents are to care for their children; and then in reciprocation, the adult children are to care for their parents. The most God-honoring care giving will come from the wisdom found in the fifth commandment. If you are at the point where you would like to begin making plans for someone to take care of you one day, then consider sitting down with a family member to discuss the next steps.
Be aware of the situation and how much time will need to be spent between the two of you. Work out a plan, involving more than one family member, if possible, and recognize that there will be some difficult times. Decide whether or not you want to remain in your own home, or if you need to go where it will be more convenient for your family.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask for God’s will, wisdom, and guidance to be revealed in this situation. Pray that God would work out the details in His own way and in His time.
