Reluctant Retiree

We are living in a time when people do not care about, nor sometimes believe in, the consequences of our actions. Many people do what they know is wrong and expect to get away with it. They do not consider their impact upon others nor the potential negative consequences that they may incur themselves. People just seem to expect to get away freely from doing wrong.

Exodus 20:5-6 says, “You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.” As we obey God, we open the door to His favor. Obedience leads to blessing. Disobedience leads to trouble, not just for the disobedient person but for many others impacted by their actions.

I am notoriously bad at finding things. It has gotten so bad that I rarely even try to find things that are missing. If I really need it, then I will ask my wife to find it for me. I can look straight at something that I need and not see it. What causes us to miss the most obvious things set before us?

Matthew 14:26-27 says, “But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.'” The disciples were focused on the storm which was threatening their lives. They did not initially believe that Jesus could and would help them, so when they saw Him walking on the water towards them, they did not recognize Him. Instead, their fear rose higher and they thought they were seeing a ghost.

God frequently does something that we don’t expect and we can miss these miracles if we don’t open our hearts to Him. If we let Him, He will calm the storms of our lives and give us courage. Don’t miss out on what God has for you by closing your heart and expecting Him to act in a certain way.

It is surprising to me how many things in life are revocable. Don’t pay your mortgage and the bank will foreclose and take back the property. Practice infidelity and the marriage promises made at the altar are often made null and void. Commit a serious crime and many of the rights and privileges of citizenship are taken away by the government.

Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” God will never take away what He has already given you, including salvation, redemption, peace, love, hope, and talents. His gifts are not dependent on your performance, but rather come from His love, mercy and grace. He never changes, so He will not revoke His gifts.

We are often called upon to show inner strength when faced with difficulties. In fact, it has become popular to add the word “Strong” to those faced with tragedy. After the Boston Marathon bombings t-shirts, banners, etc. displayed “Boston Strong” to indicate that those affected would have the inner strength to carry on and thrive. Every significant event since has used the same type of slogan to declare that people would thrive, despite the circumstances. But where do we get this strength? Do we all possess it all the time as these slogans tend to indicate?

Psalm 18:31-32 says, “For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.” There is only one God and He alone gives us strength to walk blamelessly. He gives us the inner strength to carry on despite the troubles and temptations we face. We don’t possess this strength naturally and can’t display this inner quality at all times, despite the slogans. We must trust in God, our rock, to give us the strength we need when we need it.

Every family has its share of problems, although, admittedly, some families more than others. Competing needs and desires cause separation if not handled properly. While the disagreements will come, if we consistently bring troubles to our families, God promises to give us a strong rebuke.

Proverbs 11:29 says, “Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.” Do your best to bless your family and not cause trouble. Then you will find blessings from God and favor among all people. As much as is possible, be a peacemaker and not a troublemaker.