Reluctant Retiree

Many of us still have a negative view of counsel. We try to avoid the need for advice and are often suspicious of those who offer counsel. But even a skeptic may want financial advice from a qualified expert. Those of us who are not handy with household or car repairs go to someone with knowledge and experience when something breaks down. Despite negative feelings about counselors in general, most of us will occasionally find the need for advice in some area.

Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” When we are not sure what we should do, we should first seek God’s wisdom. Our first resource should be God’s Word. But sometimes we may also need the advice of someone who has experienced what we are facing as well. Just like the financial advisor and the repairman, wise people can help illuminate our way.

We all have some part of our body that we wish was different somehow. We may think that our nose is misshapen or our hair is too curly. We may just be disappointed that we can’t achieve the athletic fetes that we desire to do because our bodies are not quite up to the task. The billions of dollars spent on cosmetics, gym memberships, and plastic surgery confirms our dissatisfaction with our bodies.

Again, God has a different view. Psalm 139:13-14 says, For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Every muscle, bone, tendon, ligament, organ, eye lash, and hair on our bodies was especially designed by God for us. We may be dissatisfied, but He is well pleased.

This brings up two important issues. First, God’s design was for a specific purpose. In other words, He designed you to fulfill His specific purpose for your life. Failure to use what He has given you to fulfill His purposes is the cause of our frustration, lack of peace and even anger. Secondly, we have the responsibility to take care of the body God has given us. We must eat well and exercise so that we are up to the tasks He has given us. So let’s take care of our bodies and do the wonderful things that He has prepared for us.

Have you ever had a bad habit that you wanted to break? It’s hard and generally requires that a good habit be practiced over a period of time to replace the bad habit. When I was a child I used to mindlessly suck on my fingers. But I loved baseball. My dad took me to a baseball game at Dodger Stadium not long after it was opened. I loved the whole experience. My dad told me that we could go to a game again, but only after I stopped sucking my fingers. I was motivated. So I began sitting on my hands so that I wouldn’t mindlessly suck on my fingers. Guess what? It worked and I went back to Dodger Stadium frequently.

That was a relatively easy habit to break. Some habits are not quite so easy to give up, like lying, stealing, lustful thoughts, violence, addiction, and cheating. These are deeply ingrained behaviors that God calls sin. They take over our minds and bodies so that we can’t stop sinning.

The good news is that Jesus Christ shed His blood as a sacrifice to the Heavenly Father, so that these chains that bind us are broken. We can be set free by accepting Jesus’s sacrifice on our behalf. We don’t have to return to these sinful ways, so we can live in victory over them. Galatians 4:9 says, “But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?” Enjoy the freedom that trusting in our Savior Jesus Christ brings. Turn away from the sins that hold you captive to live freely in Him.

We can talk to Him anywhere and at any time. He will diligently and expectantly listen to us. He has the deepest empathy for our concerns. If we take the time to notice, we will see Him steadfastly walking side by side with us all the time. He has sacrificed to give us everything we need. He is, and will always be, our best Friend.

God possesses all these qualities and more as our Friend. But we can’t just relegate our relationship with God to mere friendship. I Timothy 1:17 says, “To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” God is also sovereign over all the affairs of men. He maintains the unmatchable power and authority to execute His plans and purposes. He is rich in mercy and full of grace. He is righteousness and eternal.

Know that God is the Friend of those who love and fear Him. But never forget that He is also the King of ages, sovereign and divine.

Have you ever been to the doctor and wished that they had told you about possible side effects of the medicine that they prescribed? Or have you been to the repair shop and been surprised by the bill because they didn’t tell you about some repair requirements? The government requires full disclosure on many legal documents, but full disclosure is not required or is overlooked in many areas of life.

However, in the most important area of our lives, God has given us full disclosure on how we can receive salvation and redemption. Just like legal disclosures, we must read, have knowledge of, and adhere to the terms of the disclosures.

Luke 10:23-24 says, “Then turning to the disciples he said privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.'” Through Jesus Christ, God revealed His plan of salvation. And through the Word of God, the Bible, God has given us His wisdom for life. Unlike other times in history, we have access to God’s full disclosure for life, righteousness, truth, and wisdom. Many wise and powerful people have spent their lives searching for meaning and truth. But God has already given these words to us through His Word and His Son. Don’t miss out on God’s full disclosure. Read the Book!