In the United States today, we are living longer that at any time in our history. More and more people need to deal with the subject of caring for older parents. I hope that the brief notes in this article will help us to know that there are principles we can use to accomplish the goal of being the best care-givers we can be. I also want to stress that the Bible must be the basis for all of the things that we do for the elderly, because the Bible is the only book on earth that is always right! We should care for the older parents in light of these five points:

1. In light of the honor that parents deserve according to the command of God (Ephesians 6:1-3). They occupy many positions during our lives, including being our earliest care-givers, protectors, providers, teachers, examples, as well as being the people who can provide examples of wisdom and courage in their old age. Honoring them in their later years is our duty.

2. In light of the subject of health. They took care of us when we were helpless and needy. Now that they are facing the difficulties that come at the end of life, we should be strong for them in any way we can. This includes learning how to be helpful to them just as they learned how to be helpful to us. In the book of Ruth, the story of the helpfulness that was provided to Naomi by Ruth and Boaz (who were not even her children!) has much to offer us.

3. In light of the happiness they wanted for us. They desired to have us as their children, and they went to great lengths to provide for our happiness. Sure, they made their share of mistakes and sins—but they did not want us to be unhappy! They wanted the “best” for us. Now it is time to return the favor! Paul thought of Timothy as his “son” in Christ. Note his requests of Timothy in 2 Timothy 4, as he faced the end of life. He wanted Timothy to do things for him—including trying to be there with him! Being there is a great way to produce happiness for those who are older and often alone.

4. In the light of history. The history of our family includes their financial sacrifices for us, their emphasis on family, their hope for our happy future as they reared us, and their strong feelings about our relationship as their children. We should attempt to make their last days good ones in view of their track record on our behalf. Jesus was totally unhappy with people who tried to escape their responsibilities toward parents (Mark 7:9-13).

5. In light of the example of Jesus. He provided for the welfare of His mother when He knew that He would die before she did (John 19:26,27).

Let me conclude with a few
“DO NOTS”

DO NOT make any excuse to avoid doing good toward them.

DO NOT waste this opportunity, for their last days often end quickly.

DO NOT rob them of their dignity through neglect.

DO NOT treat them as helpless children.

DO NOT destroy their last days.

DO NOT hurt the ones who gave you so much.

DO NOT fail to do your best, no matter how they may have failed you.

Copied from the
Duluth church of Christ Bulletin

The question of whether or not to use instrumental music in worship is born out of our failure to appreciate the scope of the problem. The question involves a principle that is bigger that “just” using a piano (or other man-made instrument) in worship. On the surface, using or not using a piano in worship seems very trivial, especially in comparison to the task of taking the Gospel to the world. In other words, “What’s the fuss all about? We have more important things to think about! God doesn’t care whether we play or sing or both, just so long as we worship him.”

A Biblical principle is being ignored when we make such statements. To use instrumental music in worship to God is a violation of God’s law of exclusion. Though the term “law of exclusion” is not used in the Scriptures, it is a sound Scriptural concept. Basically it states that when God gives instructions about something he wants done, his instructions exclude every other way of doing it. In Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19, we have been commanded to sing in corporate worship. God’s command to sing excludes all other forms of music. When the early Christians met to partake of the Lord’s Supper they used unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine (1 Cor. 11:23-27). Those two elements excluded all other food items, (pizza, potato chips, coffee, sweet-rolls, etc.) from the Lord’s supper.

When God commands us to do something in a certain way, it is presumptuous on our part to do other things not commanded. The use of mechanical instruments in worship opens “the floodgates” for a host of other practices which God does not authorize. Based on this reasoning, one may practice anything the Lord does not specifically condemn. Are you prepared to adopt this kind of theology? The denominations already have, and they want us to as well! Let us be reminded, brethren, “narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Mat. 7:14).

Copied from The Messenger,
South Florida Avenue’s Bulletin

PUT ON THE ARMOUR OF GOD

Put on the armour of God, friend;
The devil is lurking nearby.
Take up the Sword of the Spirit,
And watch for his darts swiftly fly!

Gird up your loins with truth, friend;
Your breastplate of righteousness don;
Having feet shod with the gospel of peace,
Up, let us be gone.

No armour is found for the back of man;
God’s soldiers know not of retreat.
With salvation’s helmet and the shield of faith,
We’re sure to see Satan’s defeat.

Be watching and praying
With supplication for saints;
On guard—every step of the way,
Trusting the One who knows all of our needs
And victory will be ours some day. McPhail

Copied from The Challenge