Reluctant Retiree

I was unable to do my normal hiking this morning due to the rain. Instead, I walked on the treadmill, not as much fun, but beneficial nonetheless. The rain has continued all morning, but it has been a gentle rain. This kind of rain benefits the ground bringing the nutrients it needs to produce grass and crops. It also makes for a cozy and peaceful Saturday.

Moses compared his speech to this type of rain, when he said, “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God!” Moses desired that his speech would be gentle and benefit his listeners.

What a difference this kind of talk would make in our world! Families would be transformed by the absence of accusations and criticism. The Business world would be radically altered by promotion of good ideas and the cancelation of harsh competition. Politics could focus on the exchange of beneficial ideas in the absence of backbiting and name calling. Harmony is developed by the gentle exchange of uplifting words. Let’s begin a movement by using encouraging words instead of venting our frustration. Perhaps we can even offer some praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for the gentle rain and uplifting speech.

I was a teenager during the 60s and was caught up in the Peace Movement of those days. The country was split over our involvement in the Vietnam War. People displayed the peace symbol on clothing, bumper stickers, and tattoos. Yet protests and demonstrations often turned violent. The cry for peace was drowned out by division and violence.

If we are to advocate for peace, it must begin with inner peace within individuals. How can we find a broad peace when we argue with neighbors, retail workers, fellow drivers on the highway, and authorities? First, let us examine ourselves and see if we consistently contribute to peace wherever we go. Or do our attitudes and actions promote discord and chaos.

Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” Thus, He said that division, within any group even a small group like family, will inevitably lead to destruction. Individuals must find inner peace so that they can contribute to the broader peace of the group.

But inner peace is hard to come by. Our selfish desires get in the way. Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Inner peace begins with the surrender of ourselves to God. He transforms us into instruments of peace by giving us His supernatural peace. Let’s begin a new peace movement today by surrendering to God’s peace.

Our son’s family bought a farm over a year ago. They have since added chickens, cows, and goats to their farm. Later, they planted several different kinds of fruit trees. Since I eat a lot of fruit daily, I am eagerly awaiting the first crop from each tree. Just by looking at the trees, I am unable to distinguish what type of fruit trees they are. I know some people can, but I can’t. I will have to wait until the fruit is visible before I will be able to distinguish each tree’s type.

Jesus described our character in terms of fruit trees. In Matthew 12:33 He said, “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit.” You see, other people can tell what kind of person we are by the things we produce from our lives. If we leave a trail of discord, heartbreak, and unhappiness in the lives we touch, then our character is bad. If, however, we leave a legacy of joy, love and peace, we have proven to be honorable and righteous. It is impossible to have bad character and produce positive effects upon others.

But a good tree must be planted in good soil and nurtured with good nutrients. For people, this means we must have our nature transformed by the grace, love, and power of God. So we begin be trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation and redemption. Then, daily we walk in His ways to build a godly character and produce righteous fruit. Only by drawing on God’s unlimited love and power can we expect to bear good fruit.

What motivates us to give our best efforts to a task? Is it the expectation of reward for a job well done? Is it the possibility of adverse effects upon us if we don’t deliver? Is it our respect, or lack thereof, for the person giving the assignment?

All of these may be valid motivations from time to time. But is there another motivation that can help us to consistently give our best efforts? I think that the key is understanding who is ultimately assigning us each task.

Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Every task, job, act of service, assignment, chore, duty, and responsibility is given to us by God through teachers, parents, bosses, spouses, friends, government official, and associates. We honor these God ordained people, and God Himself, by giving our best efforts and working with diligence and excellence.

So the next time you are struggling doing something that you really don’t want to do, remember who is ultimately giving you the assignment. Bring Him honor by doing your best. This will also give you joy and satisfaction.

I did not learn mechanical, carpentry, or repair skills growing up. My father did not have these abilities or knowledge, so he could not teach me and I didn’t have anyone else to go to. As a result my wife has always done a lot of the repairs around our house. She grew up with a father that insisted his children, including daughters, learn basic household and auto maintenance skills, along with a fair amount of woodworking abilities.

Fast forward to today. My wife and I volunteer with an organization that does disaster relief, Eight Days of Hope. We have assisted in the immediate aftermath of tornadoes, hurricanes and floods, by participating in the cleanup. But we have also come back later to help rebuild. As you can imagine, my limited abilities are somewhat of a drawback. However, we have always found something that we can do or learn to do quickly. We have painted, assembled cabinets, put together baseboards, and finished drywall.

I have discovered that there is never a lack of good things that we can do in serving other people and in serving God. Jesus put it this way, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” God has work for us to do. If we are indeed His children, we should take every opportunity to serve Him and others. By doing so, we can meet needs and demonstrate God’s love to a hurting world.