Reluctant Retiree

The phrase “Never Enough” could be the theme of our society. We always want more. We want more money, higher paying jobs, attention and fame, cars and houses, and we want it with less effort on our part. Why isn’t somebody giving us these things? But are these really the things that we want?

II Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God’s grace is better than Christmas presents. His grace provides everything that we need for life and through eternity. Instead of seeking things that don’t satisfy us, God’s power provides us unending love, unexplainable joy, all needs supplied, peace beyond measure, eternal hope, salvation, redemption, and undeserved kindness. This Christmas seek more than the gifts under the tree. Find God’s grace.

We all know the Christmas story of the baby Jesus born to Mary and Joseph in the manger. It is a beautiful story of God’s love demonstrated by sending His own Son to save sinners. But God our Heavenly Father also reveals His own attributes through the Christmas story.

Colossians 3:21 says, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, meekness, and patience.” The Christmas story is a telling of God’s compassionate heart for us as Jesus was sent to save us. It is a story of kindness as God displays His mercy in forgiving us. It is a story of meekness as Jesus came as a child born in a manger. It is a story of God’s patience in waiting to execute judgement on sin. He has called us to imitate His image by also having a compassionate heart, and showing kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

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.