Have We Forgotten Our Elderly?

I've been thinking lately about how our society treats older people. We live in a culture that seems almost obsessed with being young. We spend billions of dollars trying to look younger, feel younger, and avoid the signs of aging. But somewhere along the way, I wonder if we've lost some of our appreciation for those who have already lived a good portion of their lives.

As a pastor, I've had the privilege of getting to know many older people over the years. I've listened to their stories, prayed with them through difficult times, and watched them face challenges that come with growing older. One thing I've learned is that just because someone is getting older doesn't mean they have less to offer.

In fact, I think we often fail to recognize just how much they have to offer.

The Bible has quite a bit to say about how we should treat the elderly. Leviticus 19:32 says, "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD."

In other words, God expects us to show respect and honor to those who are older. This isn't just a suggestion about having good manners. It's something God takes seriously.

I sometimes wonder how well we're doing with that today.

We live in a world where everything moves so quickly. Technology changes almost daily, families are busy, and everyone seems to be rushing from one thing to another. Unfortunately, older people can sometimes get left behind. Some struggle with loneliness, others with declining health, and some simply feel that nobody really needs them anymore.

That last one especially bothers me.

I've known older Christians who could no longer do many of the things they once did, but they could still pray. They could still encourage someone. They could still share what God had taught them through years of walking with Him.

And sometimes, that's exactly what the rest of us need.

Job 12:12 tells us, "With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding."

Think about that for a moment. How much could we learn if we simply took the time to listen?

Many of our older friends and family members have lived through difficult economic times, family struggles, personal losses, and countless changes in our society. They've made mistakes, learned lessons, and experienced God's faithfulness in ways that younger generations haven't yet had the opportunity to experience.

We would be foolish to ignore that kind of wisdom.

One of my favorite verses about growing older is Psalm 92:14: "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing."

I love that verse because it reminds us that God isn't finished with someone simply because they've reached a certain age.

Our society often measures a person's value by what they can accomplish. But God doesn't look at people that way. A person who can no longer work, drive, or even leave their home very often is still valuable. Their life still matters. They still have something to contribute.

I've also noticed that some of the strongest examples of faith come from people who have walked with the Lord for many years. Their lives haven't necessarily been easy. They've experienced heartache, disappointment, and loss. Yet through it all, they've continued to trust God.

That's the kind of faith I want to learn from.

I think we also need to remember that honoring older people involves more than simply being polite to them. It means including them, listening to them, and making sure they know they're appreciated.

Maybe it's taking a few minutes after church to sit and talk with someone instead of rushing out the door. Maybe it's visiting someone who doesn't get out much anymore. Maybe it's picking up the phone and calling an elderly parent, grandparent, or neighbor.

Sometimes the little things mean more than we realize.

Psalm 71:18 says, "Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come."

I think there's something important in that verse for both older and younger generations. Those who are older have a responsibility to share what God has taught them, and those who are younger need to be willing to listen.

The truth is, if the Lord gives us enough years, we're all going to grow old someday. And I suspect that when we reach that stage of life, we'll still want to feel loved, respected, and needed.

So here's something I'd encourage you to do this week. Think of an older person in your life. Maybe it's someone in your family, someone at church, or a neighbor you haven't talked to in a while. Make an effort to spend a little time with them. Ask them how they're doing. Listen to their stories. Let them know they matter.

You might be surprised by how much you learn.

And perhaps even more importantly, you might remind someone that they haven't been forgotten.

Growing older doesn't make a person less valuable. And it certainly doesn't make them any less important to God.