Reluctant Retiree

I have visited some places around the world in which the hardships of the people are written all over their faces. They seem to have no hope and their days are pure drudgery. I have also been in groups of people that seem to be living a continuous celebration. They seem to have life figured out. Although they also face their own struggles, they seem to pass through them victoriously.

Ecclesiastes 8:1 says, “Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.” Acting according to wisdom actually gives us shiny faces, meaning our faces are full of joy. If we follow the Lord’s wisdom, stress and anxiety melt away. Although we will struggle at times, God provides the strength to pass through the struggles and grow in faith and wisdom. In addition, other people will see the wisdom of following the Lord and be attracted to Him.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you all are partakers with me of grace.” Philippians 1:6-7

The Christian faith begins with placing our trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It continues through our lifetime as God does a good work in and through our lives, conforming us to His image. Then it goes on forever as we live with Him in eternity, where all troubles and suffering has ended. It is a glorious ride for those of us who believe.

“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3

He is a shield around His children. He protects them from evil, but has not yet removed them from an evil world. One day His children will be with Him in heaven and the evil will be removed forever. No more pain. No more suffering. No more tears.

He is the glory of His children. He has adopted into His family those who believe in Jesus Christ and trust Him as Lord. We are now His sons and daughters and our home is with Him in glory.

He is the lifter of our heads. When we are discouraged or overwhelmed by the world around us, we simply need to look up to Jesus. He will not necessarily take us out of our troubles, but He will give us the power to victoriously pass through them. He will cause everything to work out for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

How many times have you heard the expression, “I am telling it like it is”? That is a bold statement affirming that the person has all the information available and an unbiased assessment of the facts. Very likely, the person is really only giving their opinion and it is based upon limited information. It is also very likely that the person is not speaking for the benefit of his audience, but rather to puff up his/her own pride.

Ephesians 4:15 says, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” We all know that we must be honest, speaking the truth. But do we also speak out of love, benefiting our listeners rather than out of selfishness to benefit ourselves. Speaking the truth also involves speaking out of a heart of love. Truth without love doesn’t benefit others.

In some things it is acceptable to seek the middle range. For instance, we like the weather to be neither hot nor cold. Introverts, like me, like some interaction with others, but too much interaction really drains us.

While it is acceptable to seek the middle in some areas, most of us are not satisfied with the mediocre in most aspects of life. We want our families to enjoy the best and be healthy and wise. We want to progress in our jobs beyond just satisfactory performance and conditions. We want our favorite sports teams to win the championships.

In Revelation 3:15-16 God speaks to the church in Laodicea and says, “I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” God is not looking for lukewarm believers, who simply believe, go to church, and pray for what they need. God is looking for the person who will trust Him completely with their life and serve Him diligently. He wants to find the one who will give everything to Him in utter abandonment. Are you ready to say, “Yes, Lord! Let it be me!” and give yourself over to a radical faith in God Almighty?