January 26, 2018 - - James 1:27 and I Timothy 5:4 Combating the epidemic of loneliness

But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God.

I Timothy 5:4 NKJV

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

James 1:27 NKJV

While listening to a news commentary on toys and buying trends I learned a toy company has been marketing to seniors. It intrigued me and then saddened me. The product is robotic pets. These are marketed as companions to lonely seniors. In the U.K. the government has created a government Minister for Loneliness.

While reading the Word I am challenged to consider the work of true Christians. Followers of Jesus Christ are called to care for seniors and the vulnerable. The shape of such care would be to visit. Care would include hugs, regular visits, invitation to meals.

The same news commentary noted that one high school age girl was tired of being bullied and weary of eating alone. She created an app which allows students to find other students who are open to sharing a place at their table and eating together. What a cool idea.

Who is lonely in your community? Who is in need of a visit? Who in your church family or bio family or community has God placed on your heart? In this age of hyper-connectivity: duo, social media, twitter, insta-gram, facetime and cell phones, it is staggering that loneliness should be so prevalent. God has created us to be in community and by Jesus Christ draws us close to Himself. May the Spirit of the Living God help us to connect with and bless one another.

God Who created the building blocks of society in the family, remind Your people today, the great calling that is ours in Christ Jesus to be and live as true community. Pour out Your Spirit so that followers of Jesus will live in ways that are out of step with the world and in harmony with the way we were created: for wonderful relationship with You and with others. In our lives, be glorified. Amen.