Ep. 269 - How to Honor the Elderly

The Bible emphasizes honoring and learning from our elders. The guys talk of society’s tendencies to isolate the elderly, but their wisdom and experiences are invaluable, reminding us of our shared mortality and the importance of intergenerational connections.

A society's treatment of the elderly often reflects its moral standing. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar have an honest conversation about the treatment of elderly people in our current society. Deuteronomy criticizes Israel for its lack of respect for the elderly, but the guys point to historical times when the elderly were honored. Today, many elderly people are placed in retirement homes, leading to depression as their world shrinks. This isolation reflects a cultural discomfort with aging and mortality. 

Oscar shares his experience of welcoming his grandmother into his home, highlighting the beauty in caring for elderly family members. Similarly, Ray regrets once unintentionally mocking the elderly in his sermons. He emphasizes the need for sympathy and respect, noting that the elderly are essentially young people in old bodies, still cherishing life despite changes brought by age.

Aging serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of our world. We should support the elderly through companionship, listening to their stories, helping with errands, and offering financial and medical assistance. Advocating for their rights and protecting them from scams is also crucial. Many elderly people, who once raised families, now sit alone. The guys emphasize the biblical call to care for widows and the elderly.

Ray recalls helping his elderly neighbor, and Mark shares a poignant story of visiting a nursing home where he witnessed a resident's gradual decline and eventual passing. These personal experiences remind us of the inevitable cycle of life and our future selves in the elderly we now see. It is also important to remember that our parents and grandparents are experiencing life for the first time, just as we are.

There's a prevalent arrogance among the young today, who often fail to recognize that they, too, will age. Conversations with the elderly can be challenging due to personal biases, but these fears are unfounded. Elderly individuals, who spend more time contemplating mortality, can offer valuable insights. It's essential to boldly share the gospel with them, acknowledging the fleeting nature of life for everyone.

Grey hair symbolizes a life well-lived and the wisdom that comes with it. The guys encourage us to visit our grandparents, call our parents, and connect with the elderly, taking this as an opportunity for personal growth and conviction.

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Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro