Reluctant Retiree

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

I have noticed a disturbing trend on social media. Some people are increasingly calling for the abandonment of friends in order to do “self-care”. While I agree that we must take care of ourselves, it seems that the call to protect ourselves comes too early and at the expense of relationships. Many times self-care is an excuse to be selfish rather than a legitimate effort to become stronger in some way.

God is consistent in calling us to consider the interest of others, even as more important than our own interests. Jesus is our example. He came to serve, not to be served. He gave His life to save us. All relationships would improve with less selfishness and more sacrificial love. Let’s not abandon humility in the name of self-care. Let’s be good friends by loving others and caring for them.

We all have our morning routines designed to prepare us for the day ahead. We refresh our bodies with food and cleaning. We prepare our minds by accessing everything we need for the day. But what do we do to prepare our spirit to function well during the day ahead?

Psalm 90:14 says, “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” How would our days be different if we started by considering God’s love for us. Remembering we are loved would change our outlook and attitudes. Instead of dragging ourselves to work or school we can rejoice in what God has for us in the new day. We will have sense of expectation looking for God’s blessings in this day. Every morning we make a choice to enjoy God’s love and blessings or to reject Him to live the day our way. Make the right choice today!

The task of acquiring a house is exhausting. First comes the search, spending many hours looking at houses. Then comes the negotiation on price and terms. Once that is agreed upon, then the endless paperwork begins. After that comes moving day with its own burdens and struggles. Now we have a house. But it is not yet a home. The home comes when we pour our love into each other. We build up our home when we build each other up.

In John 14:23 Jesus speaks of another home when He says, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come and make our home with him.” Those who love Jesus have a special relationship with God. They will do whatever Jesus asks because they are assured of His love. And Jesus promises that both He and the Father will make their home with us. They actually come to live with us, but also in us. They make their home with us to encourage us, build us up, and pour out their love, grace and mercy to us. I enjoy my home on earth, but the home that Jesus and the Father have made in me is wonderful in every way.

Generally, quality and production standards raise over time. In business, the goals are to produce more at lower cost to maximize profits. Scientists and technicians seek more precise data measurements to more accurately assess theories. In virtually every aspect of life we desire to improve by holding ourselves accountable to higher standards.

Has the standard by which love can be assessed also risen over time. Jesus told His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” Jesus gave the disciples a new standard for love. The old commandment called us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This new commandment requires that we love one another like Jesus loves us. So until we love selflessly and sacrificially like Jesus. God still wants us to love to that higher level.

Of course, we can’t love like Jesus without the help of God. We must surrender to His love in order to love like He does. We must confess that we have fallen short in giving this higher love and ask God to purify our hearts from selfishness and self-centeredness. With His help and power within us we can begin to grow in His love.

“Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him.” John 12:37

As we drive on the highway, we recognize the signs and follow their directions to get where we want to go. Some signs warn us of dangers. We also search the skies for indicators of incoming weather. We scan news articles for financial trends and social clues. We are practiced at looking for signs of what will be, but quickly forget the signs of past activity that impacts today and our future.

According to the verse above, Jesus performed many signs, that is miracles, to demonstrate who He was and what His kingdom is like. The Jews of His day witnessed the signs, but quickly forgot what He had done. Thus, the miracles that Jesus had done were not enough for them to believe in Him. They had forgotten what He had already done for them and they wanted more.

Let’s not be like those people. Let’s remember what God has already done for us; the healing touches, the protecting power, the generous gifts, the mercy when we fall, the life given to us and family, the patience when needed, and the hope for the future. We must search our hearts and memories to remember God’s works on our behalf. Then we can rejoice in faith that He will continue to work for us.