Reluctant Retiree

We see extremely talented people in all walks of life. Videos are posted of extraordinary skills. The media makes heroes of people accomplishing amazing things. We work with, live with and certainly know people that are very gifted in certain areas.

The problem comes with the attitudes of many gifted people. Do they pound their chests and proudly proclaim their achievements? Or do they acknowledge that perhaps other parties were involved in their accomplishments? Does the football player who scored a touchdown praise the ten other teammates and coaches who contributed to the score? Does this player also commend his parents and others who empowered his development? Is he actively serving the community that supports his team? Or is he content to receive praises only?

II Corinthians 8:7 says, “But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you – see that you excel in this act of grace also.” Even among believers it is possible to focus on our gifts or on the gifted person. God expects us to use His gifts to us in service to Him and to other people. We begin by thanking Him for His gifts and then humbly use them to the praise of God and to bless people. In this way we pass on the grace given to us from God.

This morning I am experiencing an anxious feeling. There is no event or concern that is driving this feeling. I don’t normally feel like this. What could be causing this uneasiness?

Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Our feelings are often linked to our thoughts. This verse tells us that unless Jesus is ruling our hearts, we cannot experience real lasting peace. That’s because our hearts are waging war with God’s heart in those times. God clearly wants us to experience peace. It is only we we try to take control that peace is interrupted.

In this verse thankfulness and peace are linked. When we are truly grateful for the blessings God gives, we are acknowledging His rule in our hearts and peace comes with this joy.

Many mornings, like today, I begin my hikes in darkness. The darkness hides many of the dangers along the path. Raised tree roots can easily trip me up. Approaching strangers may not see me and crash into me or they may use the cover of darkness to do me harm. I may not recognize sudden changes of direction in the path that can cause me to go astray.

In the Bible, the word “darkness” is synonymous with evil. We are warned against the dangers of the darkness. Evil can trip us up and harm us in a variety of ways. When we are attracted by the darkness, we don’t recognize the dangers ahead. Walking in the darkness keeps us from following the path that God has designed for us.

John 8:12 says, “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” Walking in darkness will lead us into many troubles. Following Jesus keeps us in His light and under His protection.

This morning I hiked a trail that was new to me. It was beautiful and I really enjoyed the scenery. I had checked out the trail on Google yesterday. It appeared to be about 6.5 miles long. However, as I was hiking, the trail seemed to be longer than I expected. The mileage markers stopped and I still had a ways to go. My wife was waiting for me at the end of the trail. I had no option but to keep going, although I was getting awfully tired. I persevered through the 9 mile hike and made it to our meeting point.

I gained a couple rewards through endurance. First I got to see some wonderful sights. Then I realized that I had more strength than I had thought. Thirdly I gained confidence and strength for future hikes.

Hebrews 10:35-36 says, “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” We will all face good and bad times. It is enduring these times by trusting God that strengthens us and teaches us how to live in righteousness. Every time we persevere a trial by faith, our faith becomes stronger and we become wiser. Our God is faithful and will lead us into His promised reward.

As I took my morning hike I looked up and saw a cloud covered sky. In some ways that was disappointing for me. I love to see the moon, stars, and planets while I hike. But, of course, clouds do serve many good purposes. They often bring the rain that nourishes the earth and crops. They also often signal a change in the weather.

Jesus spoke of a cloud that will one day signal the biggest change that the earth and its inhabitants have ever known. In Luke 21:25-28 He said, “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the seas and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

To the Christian, we yearn for and long to see these events. It means that Jesus is returning to take us to our home in the New Heaven and New Earth. For unbelievers, however, this cloud signals the end of earth and everything they hold dear. Only an eternity of suffering awaits. The Son of God’s return signals two outcomes. One is eternity spent in the presence of God Almighty. But the other outcome will be darkness and suffering for many. We choose our eternal destiny. Make the right choice! Believe in Jesus Christ!