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The Christian Care-Giver "Behold thy Mother" Jesus
… saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! As Jesus hung on the cross, in pain and agony, his thoughts were not of his own .comfort. He saw his mother, Mary, and one of his disciples whom he loved, standing near by. He was aware that she was feeling a sense of emptiness as she watched him. He spoke to John, the disciple, to behold his mother. From that time, John took Mary into his household and looked after her. As followers of Christ, can we do any less? When we give our all to the Lord, we are to sacrifice our time and our talents to whatever the heavenly Father deems fit for our growth in the narrow way. Nothing should stand in the way of performing sacrificial duties to family and brethren. Our Lord set the example! Lessons to be Learned In caring for the elderly, we can learn a number of lessons as we deal daily with their needs. A consecrated individual looks to the Great Provider for strength and wisdom to make the right choices in accordance with his will. It is an important and delicate under-taking, and we should seek, through prayer, instruction, and guidance; knowledge of God will follow. “Whosoever loveth instruction loveth knowledge” (Proverbs 12:1). Caring for an aged individual warrants full-time devotion and requires having to give up routines and activities that previously filled one’s own daily life. With the proper heart attitude, those days take on a new feeling, one of “doing for others” and not for self. This is the express image of what Christ exhibited during his earthly existence. The true devotion shown toward the loved one can be very valuable in developing the “fruits of the spirit” (Galatians 5:22,23). The value of humility and meekness is recognized as necessary in putting aside self, and caring for some other long-time soldier of the cross. We give our all, our self, to the heavenly Father upon consecration; thus we sacrifice our time to meet the needs of a beloved parent, or brother, also consecrated, at the end of his earthly days. We remember Jesus’ words: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). What a wonderful thought! This is the double blessing of the consecrated taking care of the consecrated. Another character quality developed during this time is patience. Patience may entail an hour or two sitting beside a dear one, staring out the window. During these moments, thoughts may run to chores left undone, precious studies, or being away from a meeting, fellowshipping with the brethren. The opportunity can best be used by talking about the kingdom, the beauty of God’s creation, or the Scriptures. Though it seems at times there may be no comprehension, the reward comes when the loved one recalls something or someone from the truth. Sometimes, a smile is the reward! Ruth A loving example of care is found in Ruth 1:16,17. Ruth chose to remain with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of Ruth’s husband. She returned with Naomi to Naomi’s country and continued to lovingly care for her throughout the remainder of her life. Ruth’s heart attitude was that of love and servitude. She did not let her own desires enter her heart. As new creatures aspiring for the high calling, our hearts must be clean and pure without our own will and desires. We may learn compassion and sympathy as we watch the struggle of a loved one against the fallen flesh. The sympathetic priest’s role in doing God’s work in the kingdom will be that of understanding, compassion, and tenderness. Assisting a loved one daily, sadly watching their decay, and tenderly trying to keep their dignity intact, requires much compassion; it also needs knowledge of how Jesus ministered to the sick and needy. It is difficult to know if they realize their condition, but assuming they do, one needs to treat them as Jesus would have. Hold their hand and pray with them. Moses “And the Lord said unto Moses, What is that in thine hand?” (Exodus 4:2). This text gives us a clear picture of how the Lord used Moses in his service. Moses was meek and humble, and, because of his zeal, never tired of working for God. We can imitate this zeal. If our service seems only to care for an aged footstep follower of Christ who not so long ago sacrificed his or her own talents in God’s service, then we should perform that service with zeal as unto the Lord! It can be a wonderful blessing to recall the faithful service done by the one now infirmed. It is an opportunity to wash the feet of another. How glorious it feels when one receives a smile and the words, “I’m glad I have you.” There is no service too small that is given to us by God. The patience we develop and cheerful endurance in doing the will of God means that someday we will receive the promise (Hebrews 10:36). Praying Together Praying with a loved one throughout the day can be an intimate experience. Pray aloud for strength, wisdom, instruction, and blessings on the day spent together. “Continuing instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). Lifting your heart in prayer at any time of the day keeps a bond of fellowship with the heavenly Father, and a close tie with the one being cared for. They do not forget the Lord! Prayer also helps keep the flesh under subjection lest resentment begins to creep into our heart. Resentment could even be directed toward the infirmed one, or questioning God with the words, “Why me, Lord?” The self-denial we experience when caring for elderly feet members of the church is a cross-bearing experience. Because we have put aside all our own wants and desires, we gain a victory! Jesus told us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him (Matthew 16:24). If the opportunity is given by the Lord to be a care-giver of an aged one, accept it and discharge the responsibility with zeal! The character developed is well worth the sacrifice. God will not forsake you while you are absent from the brethren and the meetings. The brethren, too, may learn love and compassion by observing your efforts. Their prayers will strengthen you and, in turn, give them an opportunity to encourage you. You may be an example of faith to others as you take no anxious care for your own self. “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself” (Matthew 6:34). It is a large task to spiritually tend to a beloved Christian soldier, to ensure there is dignity when ordinary human functions can no longer be performed. It is a special blessing to calm the fears, fill the physical and spiritual needs, and keep another strong and faithful to the Lord. Create an atmosphere of calm and trust in his providences, that all is well while assuring the loved one that you truly enjoy having this privilege. What a joy if the loved one is a consecrated parent! “Honor thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20:12). “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise” (Ephesians 6:1,2). The honoring of parents begins in childhood. Children are taught respect and obedience toward parents. Consecrated parents set examples of Godly reverence by instilling love of God and duty to family through daily life. Parental wisdom and experience mold the children as they grow and mature. If parents do their job wisely and faithfully in accordance with God’s will, the children eventually will exhibit the same care and love to the aged parents. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). “For the body is not one member, but many” (1 Corinthians 12:14). We can be a blessing by sharing our experiences with other brethren who are also caring for an aged individual. This can make the experience more personal and meaningful. By sharing with others, we realize our situation is not unique; only the design of the experience is uniquely fitted to suit our own individual Christian growth in the body of Christ. The Great Designer knows our every need: “For your father knoweth what things ye have need of” (Matthew 6:8). Let us whole-heartedly thank God for the experience. Be an example, not only to the brethren, but to other family members not in the truth, as well as to friends and neighbors, so that they will know you have been with the Lord. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). |