Reluctant Retiree

It is an observable phenomenon that we tend to become like the people we spend time with. An old saying is true: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” When we spend time with people that exhibit good character, some of that good character will rub off on us. And, of course, if we spend time with those with loose morals, we will slowly adopt some of their bad attitudes and behaviors.

Acts 4:13 says, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Jesus followers exhibit transformed character that astonishes those around them. It is because they spend time with Jesus. In fact, Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, comes to reside within the true believer in Jesus.

Want your life to change for the better? Why not learn more about Jesus? His light will begin to shine in you and for you? When you give your life to Jesus, you will be transformed.

Have you ever been doing something that you think is benefiting others, but you are not seeing any positive results? You’re not even given a “Thank you!” when you go out of your way to help someone. That can be frustrating. But more than that, it can lead to thinking that you aren’t doing the good that you thought you were. It can even make you want to give up and stop trying to help others.

Galatians 6:9 says, “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.” While I am not advocating that we do good things just to receive some future reward, God promises to bless those who do good works. He even promises to give us the strength and power to do those good things, if we will trust Him.

So please do give up doing good things just because you don’t see any immediate impact. Persevere in doing good and the rewards will follow.

Have you ever thought about what your life inspires in people? What could your life inspire? We have all seen and heard stories of people who have accomplished great things. Many people have overcome great challenges and struggles. Others have worked hard to achieve much. What would you like others to see in you that would benefit them?

Acts 3:9-10 says, “And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” God healed this man who had been lame, and the people were stunned. If we will allow God and trust Him, He will do awesome things in our lives. These great works will inspire people with wonder and amazement. Let’s ask God to make us people who inspire others to do great things.

We don’t really have control over many parts of our lives, much to our dismay. Despite the lack of control, we can often do some things to make those areas go better for us. For instance, we don’t have control over our health many times, but we can eat healthy and exercise to pave the way for good health.

The same truth applies to our walk with God. While most of our spiritual lives are beyond our control, God has let us know what we should do to make the most of our relationship with Him and His people.

Acts 2:42 speaks of the first Christian church when it says, “And they devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.” As part of the body of Christ, His church, we would do well to commit ourselves to God’s Word, fellowshipping with believers, gathering with believers, and prayers. These practices will increase our love for God and for other people.

“And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'” Acts 1:9-11

We all look forward to some days when something good is expected. It could be our wedding day, the birth of our children or grandchildren, or even a big purchase like our first house.

All of these good days pale in comparison to the day when Jesus Christ returns. As foretold by the angels, Jesus will return to take His children into heaven with Him. From that moment forward, those who placed their faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord will spend eternity in His glorious presence. I can’t wait. Will you be there?