Reluctant Retiree

When we go into a government office or a business, we expect certain things to happen. We expect them to have the power and authority to do what we are asking them to do. And we expect them to follow through on their words and promises. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen and difficulties do arise.

Psalm 89:8 says, “O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you?” God’s might and power is above all others. Put that together with His faithfulness to His Word, to His promises, and to us and we most certainly have a God in whom we can trust.

We are a people that likes to acquire. Most of us work hard to provide for our families and get the things that we believe make life enjoyable. We try to be kind to people and help them when we can. But generosity is not often in our thoughts. We want to protect what is ours and believe that God helps those who help themselves. God has a different plan.

II Corinthians 9:11 says, “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” Every time you help someone, give to someone, and do something generously and unselfishly you are written in God’s story of grace to the world. According to God’s plan, those who give generously will also reap generously and those who give sparingly will also reap sparingly. Everything belongs to God, who created all things. We are simply stewards of what He has given us, and He intends that we be generous with our time, treasure and talents. So find ways to be generous with what has been entrusted to you.

Often when I am listening to someone speak, I begin to wonder if their words are providing any benefit to the listeners. I am not being judgemental as I think the same thoughts about my words. What would it be like if every word that we spoke and heard was a word of encouragement and enlightenment? I believe that it would brighten the countenance of everyone, help us each to live better and longer, and facilitate peace among all people.

Proverbs 10:21 says, “The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.” Good words are like nourishment to the souls of others. While foolish words help no one live well. Good, kind, and encouraging words bring life and goodness. While the words of a fool destroy. Let’s all seek to change how we speak to one another. Of course, the best way to do that is by changing what is in our hearts. God wants to cleanse us from our foolish hearts to the righteous hearts He has designed for us. Let’s let God do His redeeming work in our hearts so our words will encourage and enlighten.

How much of our day is spent doing things when our heart is not really into it? Some things we do out of routine and without really thinking about it. Other things we do because they have to be done rather than because we want to do it. And yet some other things we do because someone else told us to do them. How sad it is that we not always actively doing what we truly desire and think is best! It is particularly sad when we do religious things out of routine or compulsion.

Mark 7:6-7 says, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me: in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” God is more concerned with your heart than He is with what you do or say. Make sure your heart stays close to God for that is the way to truly honor Him. A heart that is close to God is a heart at peace and one that will bear fruit in joy.

We all deal with authority on a daily basis. Whether it be parents, bosses, police, or government, we come in frequent contact with various levels of authority. We choose whether we will obey their directives or possibly risk suffering consequences of disobedience.

Jude 24-25 says, “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Believers in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will blamelessly and joyously stand before God someday, because He saved us. He has always had all authority in heaven and on earth, as He does also have now, and forever will possess all sovereign authority. We must choose whether we will submit to that authority or suffer the consequences.