In the movie, Trip to Bountiful, a couple has his mother living with them. The mother is mentally slipping. The wife and the mother-in-law have a power grabbing tug-o-war throughout. The only benefit the wife sees in the arrangement is getting control of the mother-in-law's pension check.

It is a pity when we cannot see joy, blessings, and opportunity in caring for our elderly. Too many times the relationship with the elderly is reduced to mere money. Perfectly capable adults still leech off of their parents, or want them to get out of the way (hurry up and die) so they can have the inheritance. They rarely visit or care for them while living, but promptly attend the probating of the will after death.

Heed this warning. "Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless." (Ex. 22:22-24).

Caring for our elderly defines our religious dedication. If we claim to be faithful to God, to be pure in religion, and to be undefiled; we must care for those who are helpless, including widows and the fatherless. We may be eloquent in worship or talented otherwise, but it is meaningless if we do not "visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction." (Jas. 1:27). "If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1st Tim. 5:4-8).

Jesus rebuked self-righteous scribes and Pharisees who neglected their elderly parents. (Mark 7:1-13). They were religiously creative! They cursed their parents to hardship, by claiming a religious exemption, "Corbin," on all their assets. "Corbin" meant, "a gift," something that was dedicated or sacred to God. Their excuse was, "All that I have that might profit my parents has already been dedicated to God." This attitude made one commandment of God (dedicating assets Ps. 76:11) make another one void (honor your father and your mother Ex.20:12). The conclusion from God was, "their heart is far from Me." Nothing can explain away our duty to our parents. It is essential giving.

Caring for our elderly involves our personal attention. Our commitment to our elderly will likely alter our schedule, test our love and patience, impact our budget, and physically and mentally exhaust us. But, this is why were are here, and this will likely be the plight of our children, when they care for us. If ever there was a case of "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy, this is it!" (Matt. 5:7). Some day we will need dedicated care from our children. When our elderly have passed on, we will not regret giving them personal attention; the love, time, money, and energy we spent on them.

Caring for our elderly is an opportunity to show God in us, and it should honor the elderly.