Reluctant Retiree

Have you ever come across anything that is completely pure? Perhaps you have seen a gemstone that was perfect. Maybe the smile of your small child was pure joy to you. Then perhaps, maybe you have witnessed a musical performance that sounded like it was perfectly performed. Or maybe, you saw an athletic team perform in a perfect manner, if even for a single play. Perfection and purity are rare, but when we see it we are changed by it.

I Peter 1:15-16 says, “but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘you shall be holy, for I am holy.” God is completely free from any defect or sin. He is transforming us into His image so we should reject any temptation to do things that we know are wrong.

We live in a culture that promulgates self-promotion. Advertising and television affirm the belief that you can do and become anything you want to do if you just try hard enough. Social media makes people influencers, even though what they say and do is wrong and often dangerous. Athletes create elaborate celebrations that they use for even the most meaningless achievement.

Proverbs 8:13 says, “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” Why does God hate pride so much? Because it is the opposite of faith, which is trusting in Him, as opposed to relying on our own abilities. Self-promotion, therefore, takes us away from God. Humility draws use closer to Him as we recognize our need for Him.

Think back to your elementary school days. Do remember your best friends? Most of us do. They were the ones we spent our days with. They believed in you and you believed in them. They rejoiced with you in your accomplishments and suffered when you suffered. They were a constant source of encouragement and help.

Psalm 25:14 says, “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.” The God who sits enthroned in majesty above all rulers and authorities is also a friend to those who trust Him. He makes known to us His love, mysteries and promises. He constantly offers us encouragement and help. He is always with us and is faithful to us, even as we struggle. A more trustworthy friend you cannot find.

We all have our fears and anxieties. What are you afraid of? What makes you tremble? Could it be something small and somewhat benign as some insect? Or is your fear directed at something a little more powerful like public speaking or some possible embarrassment? Maybe your fears are overwhelming like a health emergency or loss of a relationship. Perhaps some people in your life cause you anxiety.

Psalm 99:1 says, “The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!” How is it that we fear all the things listed in the paragraph above and yet do not give the proper honor to God, who has authority and power over all things. We make ourselves enemies of Almighty God when we fail to give Him the glory that is due to His holy name and thus reject Him. Do not be controlled by fear of what others may do. Instead give honor to the One who reigns above all things and holds you in His hands. He is worthy of your worship, honor and praise.

I love sunrises. And I love hiking. I really enjoy putting these two loves together by hiking on nature trails early in the morning. I frequently get to enjoy the fresh air while watching the sun rise over the horizon and painting the sky in many colors. The sun’s light disintegrates the darkness and illuminates the world around me.

II Samuel 23:3-4 says, “The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns over them like a morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.” God promises to bless us and be with us when we deal properly and righteously with people. If we treat other people with kindness, mercy and love, God will surround us with His love like the sunlight gathers around us on a bright sunny and cloudless day.