04 - The Elderly Christian as a Member of the Family

The world talks a great deal today about old people and its concern for them, and there are several organisations which have been set up to deal with their special needs. But I submit this is an area where the gospel of Christ can shine in a dark sinful world. The teaching of the Bible concerning the position of the elderly within the family is quite different from the views and practices of a great many people today. Never, it seems, has our society been so interested in the plight of the aged. But I submit, never has there been so much real loneliness amongst old people. Why is this? We have witnessed the steady breakdown of family life in our time. There have been many contributory factors. The re-housing programmes in many inner city areas have broken the very strong and effective family ties that once existed and thrived there. The Welfare State itself has proved a hindrance to the maintenance of the effective family unit. By its many schemes to relieve the family of its cares, it has tended to destroy the family. That which was originally intended to support has, in fact, tended to undermine. Above all, of course, the steady (headlong) turning away from the Bible has meant a corresponding turning away from biblical standards in all aspects of life. The family has not escaped. Indeed, it is a spectacular casualty. In this booklet, I wish to draw attention to one aspect of the family; namely, the position of the elderly within it. I aim to give the teaching of the Bible on this matter.