Reluctant Retiree

It is an annual rite of summer in the Midwest to have roads blocked for repairs. Winter takes its toll on the streets every year, requiring a aggressive repair schedule in summer. Our city has taken road repair very seriously this year. Many streets are blocked off and it has become difficult to get to our destination or pass through the city. You go around one blockade only to find another.

As we live our daily lives, we look for the path of least resistance. We try to avoid blockades and search for open and smooth roads. God has prepared a path for us. It may not always be smooth, but it promises joy. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Notice that the verse says “the” path of life. There is only one path that gives joy and pleasure forever. This path is the presence of God. If we are far away from God, we are removed from the path of joy. But as we draw near to God, He makes known to us His joy and pleasures. Draw close to God and discover His joy.

A lot of trains pass through our area daily. This area is sometimes called the crossroads of America, because so many goods are carried through here. These trains are spread longer than a mile in length and have three or more engines to keep them moving. They rely on the engineers, communications, and tracks to keep them moving in the right direction.

If we want our lives to move in the right direction, we also need some things to assist us. First, we need love for God and for other people. It is love that motivates us to do good for others and to walk with God. Secondly, we need to stay on the right track. We do this by obtaining knowledge of the truth in God’s Word and through discernment in applying that knowledge to our lives. Thirdly, we need the guidance of God, as He maneuvers us through life situations. Without Him at the controls, we will surely head for disaster, going too fast downward and unable to climb upward when needed.

Philippians 1:9-10 says, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” Love is the engine that moves us to walk uprightly and do good works, while knowledge with discernment show us the way and keep us on the right track.

Throughout history people have tried almost everything to earn God’s favor. They have offered intensive prayers. They have harmed their own bodies. They have burned numerous animal sacrifices. They have regularly visited the places of worship. They have given huge sums of money. They have even done many good works to please God.

God has told us what pleases Him. Proverbs 3:3-4 says, “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.” God isn’t asking us to do certain things or to give certain things to Him. He is simply asking for our love and faithfulness. He loves us so much that He gave His Son so that we can be saved and forgiven. All He wants is for us to respond to His love with love and faith.

An angry customer vents displeasure on service personnel. A car cuts dangerously in front of another car after the other car had done the same to them. An frustrated housewife fires off a complaint letter to a CEO because a household repair didn’t meet her expectations. A teenager enters a school armed to kill as a result of feeling shamed by fellow students and faculty. It seems the whole world is in a state of acting out vengeance for the wrongs they have suffered.

God has called us to a higher standard. Leviticus 19:18 says, “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” Vengeance is the Lord’s. He is the righteous judge and knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart. We can trust Him to take the appropriate action against evil and those who harm us. Instead, we are called to love others in the same love we have for ourselves.

What a wonderful world it would be if we all obeyed the command of Leviticus 19:18! Think about it! We would have no more wars. Neighbor would get along with neighbor. Frustration would melt away. Anger would fade away. Love would cover a multitude of sins. This world is coming to all who believe in Jesus when we arrive in Heaven.

An artist can look at an object and reproduce the object’s likeness to canvas, marble, or clay. However the object is not changed. God does things much better. When we focus our attention on Him, He transforms us into His glorious image. We become like Him.

II Corinthians 3:11 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” Beholding God transforms us into a more glorious image, that of our Heavenly Father. I don’t know about you, but I am not satisfied with who I am. I want a glorious image, that of Almighty God. So I will seek to continually focus my attention on Him.