June 6, 2021
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 ESV
Paul addresses an issue of the heart here. While there are always extenuating circumstances that would warrant outsourced care, the question is whether we are delegating responsibility to others because we do not want to be inconvenienced or because we are unable to adequately care for our loved ones. Regardless, as Christians, we would do well to keep in mind that others are watching.
Several years ago, a fellow believer shared with me a situation that distressed her. A friend who was not a believer had confided in her that part of the reason she was not interested in the Christian faith was that her sister (who was an ordained pastor) had refused to help her in caring for their elderly mother. The ordained sister had rationalized that she needed to care for her flock first.
Conversely, when we (particularly pastors) take time to care for our elderly loved ones (whether physical help or phone calls and visits), it is a powerful witness of the Gospel.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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