Reluctant Retiree

On the job we are expected to do our best work with what we know. In life, it matters most what we do with what we know. We shouldn’t expect to know everything or accomplish things that are beyond our knowledge.

Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” God knows all things. We don’t. We are responsible for using the truths that He has revealed to us to do the good works that He gives us to do.

I am 73 years old and I cannot remember a time when we have been so divided as a nation. Rather than welcoming all people as our forefathers imagined, we seem to find ways to separate ourselves from each other. We design classifications of people based upon skin color, ethnicity, political views, word usage, ideology, and practically anything. We don’t accept opposing views as worthy of consideration and instead condemn others for thinking differently than we do.

Acts 10:34 says, “So Peter opened his mouth and said, ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'” God shows no partiality to anyone, and welcomes everyone to come to Him. We are called to become like Him, so we also should show no partiality to anyone, accepting all. Everyone is welcome to the grace and mercy of our God, and that truth should bring us together in unity.

When we build, whether it be a building or an important project, we want to use the best building materials possible so that our building will be strong and endure. Using inferior materials leads to decreased strength and usefulness.

Acts 9:31 says, “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.” When we consistently walk in worship of God and abide in the power of the Holy Spirit, we will be built up strong in faith and the church will grow. Worship, faith, and the Spirit’s power are the building materials that God uses to build His church and to make us strong and help us endure while growing in grace.

Can you identify several times in your life when you did something and it came out perfectly? Perhaps you hung a picture that was level and the lighting was just right, so you thought that was perfect. Maybe you found the right mate, and thought that was a perfect choice, although the mate is probably far from perfect. Perfect is hard to come by and most of us rarely meet the standard of perfection.

II Corinthians 12:10 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Don’t ever refuse to do something that God wants you to do, just because you feel that you can’t do it well. He will give you enough grace to do the task well despite your weakness. His grace will perfectly provide you with the wisdom and strength needed to do His will.

I pride myself on being able to finish tasks quickly. But sometimes I inadvertently sacrifice quality for the sake of speed. In those instances I am disappointed in the product I have produced and in myself.

II Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” When it feels like things are not going well and God is not listening to you, remember His patience toward you. He patiently waits for us to come to Him, granting mercy when we don’t deserve it. He is faithful to fulfill every promise He has ever made. Wait upon Him and He will deliver grace upon grace.