Faithful Keeper of Aged Parents
~ Pastor G. Khankham
This is a privilege not given to all. Some not being the eldest and some didn’t even get a chance to see them.
Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 6:20-23
There is no condition laid down for you to respect your father and mother, but because you are born from them, you are to respect them. This is so that you may live long and be a successful person.
While parents raised us against all odds, to be a keeper and a faithful one at that, is definitely a privilege. I am also very excited to talk on this.
What God had commanded in regards to keeping your parents is in the Exodus we read. To honor your father and mother may be one of the most difficult duty. But, as this is important, it is repeated in other scriptures like Leviticus 19:13, Deuteronomy 5:16, Matthew 15:4, Mark 7:10, Ephesians 6:2-3
When you honor your parents, it’s not for them but will be a blessing for you and it is very valuable.
Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16
Where is the promised land? We have all settled in Delhi and if we honor our parents, the Lord can rescue us from all odds and can also give us a long life.
Ephesians 6:3
The promise of the commandment is that if you honor your parents, it is you who will be blessed.
Ephesians 6:1
The Lord wants us to obey our parents, and not others. This may be one of the easiest to follow.
Proverbs 6:20-23
The commandment given by your father is with love and affection. Your mother taught you how to eat, how to make friends, how to socialize and how t address elders.
What is reassuring is that, if you abide by the above values, you will not be lost and will be your guide. It’ll also watch you over when you sleep and will be with you when you awake.
Also, this commandment and you will not stumble on your way.
Qualities of aged parents
When a person is old, they are eager for two things. One, to wake up early and eager for food. Secondly, they are repetitive in their speech. If you have these qualities in your parents, you are lucky as they have lived long and are with you. Also, as they lose their sight and hearing, they are always curious, coupled with their loss of memory. Another is that they love snacks, especially sweets. They also yearn for their friends. Ensure you make these arrangements for them.
How to take care of aged parents?
- Take time out for them, from your busy schedule
- Ensure that foods are cooked as per their ability to consume
- Make sure that clothing are changed periodically and their hygiene is maintained
- Take care of their medical needs and that a yearly medical checkup is performed, at the least
I’ve observed that there are less senior citizens amongst us. I am also very much afraid that they are treated as less important than guests in our own house. Let us all take care of our aged parents else, we may as well meet the same fate. Remember, blessing from the Lord is channeled through our fathers and mothers.
