Reluctant Retiree

Recently, I discovered that I am living in bondage to expectations. Some of these expectations are from my own thoughts of what kind of person I want to be. But some of these expectations are from what I expect others want from me. These expectations hold me captive and don’t allow me the freedom to be who God wants me to be. This kind of freedom allows the real me to be expressed and proclaim the goodness of God.

I Peter 2:16 says, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” Jesus has made the believer from sin and death. We should use our freedom to be the people God wants us to be and not as an excuse to simply do what we want to do. This freedom allows us to bear witness of His truth, power, and love.

Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Two thousand years ago a baby was born and the world was changed. This baby, Jesus Christ, also bears the name, Mighty God. He made everything new. Those who place their trust in Him benefit with new birth, new life, new covenant, new purpose for living, new relationship with God, and new hope for each day and for eternity.

I used to work with a woman that came to work everyday looking worn out. I would ask her how she was doing and she always said, “I’m tired.” Then she would go on to tell me that she and her husband went out to dinner about 8 pm and then went to see the latest movie thriller. I never told her this, but my thoughts were “of course you’re tired after doing those things.” The phrase, “I’m tired” is used by almost everyone these days. We have a right to be tired with all the things we are expected to do these days. Where can we find the source of power that we need to live our lives these days.

Exodus 9;16 says, “But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” When we try to do things in our own strength, our power is limited to what is inside of us. To those who are called by God and trust in Him, He gives us all the power we will ever need to do whatever He has called us to do. By trusting in His power to work through us and by doing what He has called us to do, we proclaim His name in all the earth. Let’s live by the infinite power of Jesus Christ and not limit ourselves to the finite power within us.

Our typical conversations and interactions take place at a superficial layer. We talk about our health or the weather or some recent activity. We generally do not delve deeper into personal concerns and thoughts. When we do speak at a deeper level, it is generally to get something that will benefit us, like some assistance or at least some encouragement.

Romans 1:11-12 says, “For I long to see you that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Our conversations and relationships would be dramatically changed if we sought to benefit and encourage others each time we interact, rather than focusing on what benefit we can obtain from the interaction. Let’s think about how we can bless others in our interactions, rather than what we can get out of it. Our world will be better if we just do this one thing.

Have you stopped to think about how many decisions you make each day? We decide what clothes to wear, whether to brush our teeth in the morning, what to eat at each meal and in between, what direction we should drive, whether we should buy each item in our cart online or at a store, what hair style suits us, and hundreds more it seems. Some decisions are fairly inconsequential, but others guide the course of our future. Where can we go to find the wisdom that we need daily?

Proverbs 2:6-7 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity.” Since God created all things and therefore knows all things, He is the only place we can go to obtain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. His wisdom is trustworthy and is designed for our good. His wisdom is available to us in His Word, the Bible, and through prayer seeking His guidance.