This is Senior Citizens Day.

Have you heard any old people jokes lately? How about negative comments about and old person or old age? You know, statements like, “What are you, old? Move it!” or “Boy has she aged!” or “She’s so wrinkled, she has to screw her hat on!” And what do you think when you see an elderly person moving slowly? Or asking you to repeat your message because he couldn’t hear you?

What is old age? Not long ago, it was someone in his or her 40s or 50s. Today, it’s probably someone age 70 or above. Whatever the age, if we stay healthy, we’ll be there before we know it!

It’s easy to make fun of senior citizens. But that’s wrong. In fact, the Bible tells us to do just the opposite. Today’s verse says to show special “respect for the aged.”

We should respect old people because, first of all, they’re people. Second, we should respect them because of Jesus’ Golden Rule, treating others the way we want to be treated. Third, we should respect our elders because they are experienced and wise—they have much to offer in advice, insight, and counsel. Finally, the most important reason for treating our elders with respect is because God tells us to.

Besides not making fun of old people, we respect them by considering their needs. If they can’t hear well, we should speak up and talk slower. If they have something to say, we should listen carefully and thank them. If we know of an elderly person in the neighborhood who is struggling physically, we should help with housecleaning, yard work, and so forth. And we should heed the wise counsel of our godly elders and follow their example.

It’s spelled RESPECT—the best way to celebrate Senior Citizens Day.

“Show your fear of God by standing up in the presence of elderly people and showing respect for the aged. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:32)

To Do

Do something kind for an elderly person you know.

Also on this day . . .

1822—Charles Graham received the first patent for false teeth.

1934—Donald Duck made his debut (he still quacks us up).

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.