[Biblemat] A> Caring for the Caregivers

[Steven C. Harper]

From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale,
AZ. 

Editor: Steven Harper 

August 10, 2008

Caring For The Caregivers

 

      At some point in our lives, we will meet someone whose main focus is
being a caregiver. We might notice that, as caregivers, they are unable to
do many of the things the rest of the world is doing because their main
responsibility does not allow them the time or the freedom to go and do as
they might want to do. Sometimes, we forget about the task of the caregiver
and, often, they feel under-appreciated and forgotten. We would do well to
not forget them and the good work they are doing because our Lord looks
favorably on those who look out for others.

    Let us not forget that, as we go about the task of doing spiritual good
in this world, we should also be doing things that show the world we are not
ignorant or apathetic towards their physical and emotional needs. While the
disciple's main task is addressing the spiritual needs of self and of the
lost, we also are given the charge of caring for the needs of all men,
whatever they may be. Jesus set the example for all disciples to come,
looking out for the physical needs of others (cf. Luke 4:40), and for their
emotional needs, too (cf. Luke 7:11-15). While He came to this earth to die
for our spiritual needs, He did not ignore the other needs of the people;
neither should we!

    Let us not forget that Jesus told us of the Judgment scene in which all
stood before the King on His throne to be judged and He pronounced blessings
on those who had cared for the physical and emotional needs of others while
condemning those who ignored those same needs (Matt. 25:31-46). He also told
us, "And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water
because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his
reward" (Matt. 10:42). While it may seem like a small thing to do, it makes
a great impact on our eternal destination and we should not overlook these
'little' things; neither should we overlook those who are looking out for
these 'little' things and are, in fact, giving their lives for those who
cannot look out for themselves.

    But even as I say this, I am sure some of you may not be aware of all
those who are giving their lives to serve others and, even if you wanted to
note the caregivers, you are not exactly sure who they are. Let's take a
minute to note just a few worthy of our consideration and thanks.

    Parents. Parents are the world's first and longest continually-existing
group of caregivers. Paul used this fact to illustrate his love and care for
the Thessalonian brethren when he wrote, "But we were gentle among you, like
a nursing mother taking care of her own children" (1st Thess. 2:7). He would
also add later that they had "like a father with his children, we exhorted
each one of you and encouraged you" (vv. 11, 12) to live as they should. It
is a mother who truly cherishes her child and a father that loves his
children enough to exhort and encourage them to do what they should. Parents
- especially mothers - give many years of their lives to the care of their
children, and this great work should not be overlooked.

    A mother who spends time at home and sets the godly example for her
children will lead her sons to one day look for a godly woman to marry and
to love and respect their wives someday. The godly mother will lead her
daughter to know the example and life of a godly woman and to see there is
no shame in being a mother, but a great responsibility. She will teach her
daughters the value of a husband who puts God first, rather than one who
simply has lots of money in the bank account. And though many believing
mothers miss hearing hundreds of sermons and four of the five songs sung
during each worship assembly because they are busy caring for the children,
the work they are doing will reach for generations because their children
see and hear her put God first and others second, and someday they will
"rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her" (Prov.
31:28). So should we.

    Fathers should not be ignored, either. The believing father who takes
seriously the charge to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of
the Lord" (Eph. 6:4) will make a big difference in the lives of his children
that, too, will reach for generations to come. A father who spends time in
God's word and makes sure his children see that he does, and that they spend
time in God's word, too, will eventually lead them to know their Creator and
their Savior and they will one day make that decision to also follow the
words of salvation because of their father's influence. A father who spends
time with his children in this important task and who lets his children know
that he loves them will help keep a son from getting into trouble and a
daughter from seeking love from someone else long before she should.

    And let us take the time to note those parents who are giving their
lives to raising their children who have special needs. Not everyone is
blessed to have healthy, trouble-free children, but that does not mean their
task is any less worthy of note; if anything, they should be praised all the
more who do it in a way that pleases God. Those fathers and mothers whose
children have lifelong health problems must give not just 18 or so years but
their whole lives to the care of those children. Sadly, many of those
parents have to see their children die because of those health problems -
those children they loved just as much as any mother loves her child. The
only 'relief' they feel when their child dies is for their child, who now is
free from suffering; they are not thinking about themselves or their
new-found freedom from responsibilities, I can assure you.

    And those parents who are struggling to raise a child or children who
are difficult should also be noted because of their care. The father and
mother who do not give up on their child just because he or she is difficult
should be especially noted. They care too much to simply give in or give up,
but keep trying to reach their child by love and constant teaching and godly
examples, with the hopes he or she will one day 'see the light' and
understand that all they have ever done was out of love and concern for him
or her. Though some parents with difficult children never see positive
results, it was not for lack of trying. They took seriously their
responsibilities, though their own children never would, and it hurts them
every night to go to bed knowing that their own flesh and blood has turned
his or her back on them and all they know to be right and good. They pray
hard and often, hoping that something will open their child's eyes to the
truth and the right way, and that they have done all they could possibly do
in the way God would have them. They, like Job, appeal to God daily on
behalf of their child or children (Job 1:5), and for mercy and longsuffering
when they are walking in the ways of the world.

    The psalmist reminds us, "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord
hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the
brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psa. 34:17, 18). He hears
the cry of those who are burdened with care - and with the care of others -
and "comforts the downcast" (2nd Cor. 7:6). In like manner, we who follow in
the steps of our Lord should be aware of those whose lives are dedicated to
caring for others and be willing to step up and "Bear one another's burdens"
(Gal. 6:2) - emotional, physical, and spiritual - when possible.

    If you see a father or mother who seems to be struggling with their
responsibilities and who could use some help, step in, offer assistance, and
lift them up. Let them know their efforts are appreciated and that the
effort is worth it. Just the right words could do wonders for those who may
feel like they are overwhelmed (cf. Prov. 25:11).

            Next week, we will look at another class or two of caregivers.
-- Steven Harper

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