Brothers and Sisters,

Greetings to you all! Praise the Lord we get to minister together.

First Thessalonians 5:14 has been a ministry verse that has caused me to do a lot of thinking. It says, “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”

I want to particularly focus on the “help the weak” line as it applies to senior saints. I think some of our older people still have the enthusiasm of Caleb who wanted one more mountain to conquer in God’s name. These men and women are exciting to be around and we commend them for their faithful service for God. But some of our older people are simply weak. They don’t have the energy of days gone by, and it is easy in our busy world and busy churches to overlook their needs. They don’t get commended as often, for it appears that they are less valuable to the goals of our organization. But instead of forgetting the weakest among us, let us grow in our ability to apply Scripture to patiently help them see Jesus and love Him. 

I am very grateful that John Piper has written about five particular fears associated with old age. He writes as one who has seen many days and though he has served his Saviour well, still could be experiencing these specific temptations. He is vulnerable in sharing these so we can all benefit and patiently care for — or help — the weak.

The five Piper lists:

1. The Fear of Being Alone

2. The Fear of Being Useless

3. The Fear of Affliction

4. The Fear of Failing Faith

5. The Fear of Death

Where do you see these fears in your life or in the lives of those you love and are called to minister with and to?

Are you aware of age and situation-specific temptations, and are you careful in how you draw out the story of your friend and point him or her to Jesus?

How can you aid and support those who are weak and not overlook them for people who appear stronger?

May God give us wisdom as we minister for Him.

Andrew