I’ve been thinking about dementia lately and what a cruel disease it is! It is cruel both for the person it affects and also for the caregiver of that person. I just heard of a son that has taken in a father to live with his family. I know of two brothers in the same family that suffered from this ailment. I know of a wife, married over 60 years, and her husband recently asked her “Do I know you?” My own father, who was a minister and a scholar, spent his last days mildly confused and unable to carry on a sensible conversation. It is heartbreaking and painful for everyone when our loved ones do not know who we are.
“Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 60 – 80 % of cases. Many conditions are progressive, which means that the signs of dementia start out slowly and gradually get worse.” In many cases, the victim is not only confused but becomes hostile, as well. I wonder if that is because they have some inkling that things are not as they have always been. Patience and understanding are important if you are caring for a loved one suffering from dementia.
I recently visited with a friend who commented on what she believes is one of the “scariest verses in the Bible”. Matthew 7:21 says “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord’, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evil doers!”
Yes, certainly, there were followers of Jesus who were given the gifts of prophesy and performing miracles, but here, Jesus is saying it is the life that obeys His Word, and lives by His commandments that will make a difference one day. We might possess all kinds of spiritual knowledge but if we do not have a love for others and a desire to follow Jesus as our Lord and Savior each hour of each day we are “only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal”. We must live in such a way that pleases God, drawing others to love, serve and obey His Word, if we want to spend eternity with Him.
How very sad it will be on the day that Christ returns for His children, if He speaks the words “Depart from me, I never knew you!” Rather, I want to hear Christ say “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into your reward.” (Matthew 23:21). Resolve now to make each day count for eternity. “Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We’re going to see the King!” These are words to a chorus that resonate with me!