Responsible Childhood

(Proverbs 28:24 KJV)  Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

This brings to mind the care of our parents.  We are used to thinking about the care of our children, but the children grow up.  There is a time when the parents are still going full speed and the children move into adulthood and function on their own.  But the day comes when the parents begin to slow down.  It may be gradual and dignified.  It may involve a sudden illness or loss of mental acuity.  They become dependent.

How does a believer respond to that?  Our culture is saying, “Let the government take care of it.”  Social Security and Medicare are usurping the role of the family.  The Biblical model would involve the children making sure that the parents are provided for. 

This verse brings to mind one of the practices condemned by Jesus:

MAR 7:11 but you say,' If a man says to {his} father or {his} mother, anything of mine you might have been helped by is Corban (that is to say, given {to God}),'

So?  I am now the patriarch of my family.  I am the old generation.  I am trusting my children to be responsible.  One reason I think they will is because they watched us as we cared for our parents.  What kind of example are you setting?