Reluctant Retiree

Have you ever gotten yourself deeply involved in a project or cause and later found out that your efforts were largely wasted? I sure have. It seems easy to get excited by some new venture and put a lot of effort, time and money into. Yet as time goes by, that effort seems to be fruitless and exhausting at the same time. We need to ask ourselves why we are beginning this project. If we determine that the project only satisfies personal objectives that are selfish in nature, then we will find out later that our efforts only bring short term benefits.

Luke 12:33-34 says, “Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Think about this question for a minute; What is it that you want most right now? Whatever it is, it will lead your heart. Is it something that has eternal value or is it something that will waste away quickly? Let’s give ourselves to things that will stand through eternity and benefit others rather than just ourselves.

These days when I make a purchase I usually do some self-reflection. I ask myself if I really need what I intend to buy or is it something I just want, instead of needing. I also ask myself is this purchase going to make my life better in some way or is it going to complicate my life. Sometimes the things that we fret over actually harm us rather than make things better.

Luke 12:22-23, 30-31 says, “And he said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. for all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” Don’t sweat the small stuff. God knows what is important for you and will always provide. Seek Him first and the other things that you need will come from Him.

Sometimes when people ask “What can I do for you?” it is a question out of compulsion. For instance, when you are browsing in a retail store and an employee asks this question because it is store policy or the manager has instructed them to do so. But when you have a need and someone asks you “What can I do for you?” the question is sincerely appreciated, especially when that person has the desire and ability to give the help you need.

In Luke 18 when Jesus was passing a blind man on the road begging Him, He asked the blind man, “‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me recover my sight.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Recover your sight; you faith has made you well.’ And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God.” Jesus has the power to grant this man his request. But more importantly, Jesus’ desire was to help him.Jesus is asking you, “What do you want me to do for you?”

You must ask Him for the miracle He wants to do for you. You are one request away from a miracle. His has the power and authority, along with an earnest desire, to grant your request. Go ahead and ask Him for what you need.

Sometimes I think that I know something and know it well enough to make an informed decision. That is when things tend to go really wrong. I find out that either I did not have all the necessary and correct information or that my reasoning process was faulty. We all know people who believe that they know it all and are not shy about telling others of their wisdom. Later we observe them making grievous mistakes because they did not, in fact, know it all.

Luke 10:21 says, “In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.'” God chooses to reveal Himself to those who are of humble mind and heart rather than to those who think themselves to be wise and strong. Rejoice! It is the humble who understand that they do not know it all and instead need wisdom from our Heavenly Father. It is to these people that God chooses to reveal Himself. Those who believe that they are wise reject the Lord’s wisdom and suffer the consequences.

“Better Together” is a slogan and saying that is used under many situations today. I have seen churches, charity organizations, disaster affected areas, and businesses using this phrase to inspire unity and drive effectiveness. But just being together can be useful or harmful. We have differing personalities, tastes, and values, which can bring discord and unproductiveness. It is only when we share the same objectives in humility that being together produces unity and productivity.

Luke 10:2 says, “And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'” God’s work is plentiful and many more people still need Him. Will you join His laborers and bring in the harvest? Will you allow God to use you to bear fruit for Him and glorify His name? Will you draw upon the Holy Spirit’s power to unify and bear fruit?