Q: Many of our church members are getting older and can’t get out much anymore. Our pastor tries to visit them, but what else could we do to stay in touch with them? I’m getting older myself, and this concerns me. — Mrs. B.T.

A: I’m grateful for your interest in those who are older and aren’t able to attend church as often as they once did. It’s easy to overlook them, I know — and yet at one time they were a very important part of your church, and more than ever they need your love and spiritual encouragement. The Bible commands us to “show respect for the elderly” (Leviticus 19:32).

What can you do? First, share your concern with your pastor, and with others in your church who can reach out to those who are no longer able to come to church. After all, your pastor should not have to bear this responsibility alone. Seek practical ways to visit them regularly; be sure they’re on the mailing list for your weekly bulletins; find out what other churches in your community are doing to keep in touch with their older members.

In addition, urge your older members to keep in contact with each other, as well as with friends who are still active. Encourage them also to pray regularly for your church and its missionaries — and for other ministries as well. It may be the greatest ministry they will ever have — whether they realize it or not.

Remember: When we come to Christ, we become members of His family, and are united together as brothers and sisters in Christ. May this truth guide you and your church as you seek to help your older members. The Bible says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Q: My husband just started doing his taxes, and like every other year, I know he’s going to find ways to cheat — concealing some income, claiming deductions we don’t deserve, etc. If I complain, he just says that everyone else does it, so why shouldn’t we? Is he right? — Mrs. K.W.

A: No, he is not right; not everyone cheats on their taxes — not at all. And even if more people did, that still wouldn’t make it right as far as our laws are concerned.

But more than that, what he is doing is morally wrong, not only in the eyes of the law but in God’s eyes. The Roman Empire of Jesus’ day often was corrupt and inefficient, and it didn’t always serve the needs of its subjects. It also could be oppressive; Roman soldiers occupied the land of Jesus’ birth, and often treated its people with brutality. And yet when people asked Jesus if they still had a responsibility to pay their taxes He said they did — fully and completely. He responded, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17).

If we cheat on our taxes, we aren’t only keeping money that isn’t rightfully ours, but we’re making it harder for our government (on all levels) to operate efficiently and well. Even if we disagree with some of its policies, we’ve been given the ballot box to express our views. The Bible says, “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes” (Romans 13:7).

Encourage your husband to be honest as he prepares his taxes this year. Most of all, may you both put Christ at the center of your lives. Don’t let anything — greed, covetousness, or anything else — keep you from Him.