Yesterday, I was apprised of an unfortunate circumstance. An elderly woman received a phone call from a person that claimed the woman had won prize money for a recently held contest. The caller informed the woman that to receive the prize money, she must send $2000 to a specific account. Believing the caller, the woman complied and transferred the money accordingly.

 

Sadly, this scam is taking untold sums of money from unsuspecting elderly persons. Would be swindlers are preying on the most vulnerable in our society. Their antics are indeed disgraceful.

 

Throughout the Scriptures, God appeals to God’s people to take special care of the elderly. Deuteronomy 27:19 claims that a curse is placed on those that take advantage of, neglect, or intentionally do harm to these precious ones. This is fate for such predatory activities.

 

As a pastor, I have witnessed post facto the deleterious effects that these criminal activities can have upon senior citizens. All of which leads me to offer an appeal on their behalf. As the Body of Christ, we are commanded to keep careful watch over those that may not be capable of advocating for or defending themselves. This mandate extends not only to members of our own families but to our neighbors, fellow church members, and friends.

 

It becomes every Christian’s personal responsibility to check in frequently on those that are most at risk, whether they reside in their own home, the home of another family member, or a community residential center. If nothing else, we stand on the shoulders of the generations that have preceded our own. The privileges and blessings we enjoy today are often a result of their sacrifice and hard work. In fact, caring for the elderly should be nothing more than an expression of our love and gratitude for them.

 

To which all the people of God should say, “Amen.!”