Reluctant Retiree

Finding good relationship models in our world is difficult. It brings us joy to know married couples that have been together for over 50 years. But how many friendships last even a decade? Now I know that changing life circumstances enter into this equation, but is there more to it than this simple explanation? What about the difficulties we have in family relationships?

The Bible, of course, has much to say about relationships. One of the best passages concerning relationships is found in Ephesians 4:1-2; “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”

Wouldn’t our relationships be drastically changed if we all exhibited these character traits? Imagine if we were truly humble and considered the interests of others as more important than our own. What would change if, instead of lashing out in anger at someone, we were gentle in our responses? And how would our relationships be altered if we simply understand each other’s weaknesses and love each other enough to overlook them or help the other person in love?

If we sincerely made these changes in how we relate to one another, we would experience more peace, love, patience and mercy from others as well. Joy would surround us. Join me in asking God to give us more humility, gentleness, patience, and love by the power of His Holy Spirit. Ask Him to transform our relationships by transforming us.

Visionaries and realists tend to have much conflict between them. Visionaries see how things can be, while realists want to rely on what they already know. Despite the potential for conflict, visionaries and realists need each other. Realists keep visionaries from making broad mistakes by helping them understand certain aspects of their visions. While visionaries help realists move forward, beyond what they know.

I am a visionary and my wife is a realist. She has kept me from making terrible mistakes by showing me certain truths. I have helped her move beyond her comfort zone on occasion to experience some great things.

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” God wants us to keep moving forward in His plans for us. The visionary in us makes the mistake of going faster and further than God’s plan. The realist wants to stay where they are comfortable. God’s desire is that we grow based upon the truths of His Word. But when we hear His voice in agreement with God’s Word, we must obey and move forward. The visionary must remember to go forward with God’s direction only. The realist must cast off fears and go when and where God leads.

Before taking financial advice from someone, check out their own record of financial successes. Before going to a counselor, determine if their own lives exhibit stability and happiness. Before we go to an athletic trainer, we make observations about their personal fitness. Anyone claiming to be an expert, should have lives that are examples of personal successes in their field of expertise.

Ephesians 2:7 says, “And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus.” God says that the lives of those who believe in Jesus Christ are examples of His great grace and kindness. When we observe the lives of Christians, we don’t see perfection, but we do see God’s blessings given to them. All who believe on Jesus are made new creations by God. That means that they now have God’s Spirit inside to empower them to think and behave differently. The new believer begins to consider God’s will before making decisions. He begins to act based upon God’s truth rather than base instinct. He has a new love for God and for other people.

While Christians are not perfect, they are growing in righteous thinking and acting. The power and mercy of God is evident in their lives as they yield to His love and mercy.

People are often struggling to find their true identity. Some take time off from school or jobs in search of meaning for life. They say things like “I am trying to find myself” or “I am searching for the real me”. It can be a lifelong process.

God has spoken to believers in Jesus Christ and tells us very clearly who we are. I Peter 2:9 says, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, God’s holy nation, his very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his marvelous light.” First, believers are just like everyone else in that we once lived according to the world’s darkness. We thought and behaved in the absence of knowledge and understanding. Secondly, God called us out of this darkness into the light of His unlimited wisdom and understanding. By calling us to Himself, He has given us the honor of being His own godly nation, showing His goodness to the world.

By accepting God’s call by grace through faith in Jesus, we are given new authority and responsibility. We are now God’s chosen people, priests and His holy nation. Let’s live according to the light that He has shown us and faithfully declare His goodness to people searching for meaning.