Reluctant Retiree

Life is full of choices. Some choices are made for us, like getting picked for the team or the job. Most of the time we are making the choices, like who to marry and where to live. And still other times circumstances and environment impact even the choices that we make. Regardless, throughout each day we make hundreds or thousands of decisions that affect our lives.

Some decisions have short term impacts, like where we go for lunch. Others have long-term effects, like how far we go in our education. One decision has eternal consequences, that is what we choose to believe about God. The God of the Bible promises salvation and eternal life to those who choose to believe in Him and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life. This same God, however, warns that the choice to reject Him results in eternal separation from Him.

The people of Israel were faced with the decision of what they believed about God as they possessed the land beyond the Jordan River. Joshua spoke to them and said, “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua had led the people to victory after victory, but he understood that God had given them the victories and the land. Therefore, he was choosing to serve this faithful and mighty God.

This same God is faithful and mighty on our behalf. He loves us with an abundant and everlasting love. I pray that you will choose to accept His gift of salvation and serve Him.

To what are you looking forward? Is it some planned special event like a wedding, a birth, a reunion of friends or family, or a vacation. Perhaps you are looking forward to retirement or just some free time to unwind. The things that promise to bring us joy give us encouragement and strength to carry on.

In the Bible, the book of Revelation points us to future events. Parts of this book is meant to be a serious warning to those who have not trusted in Jesus Christ. If nonbelievers truly understood the terrible things that will happen in the future, they would surely repent and believe. On the other hand, the remainder of the book is a strong encouragement to believers, based on God’s promises.

Revelation 21:3-4 says, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”‘ For His children, God promises to remove all forms of suffering when we pass into His presence. Now that is something to look forward to and be encouraged.

If you are currently living outside of these promises, by having never trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, please consider the promises of God and the reality of a future outside of God’s presence.

For thousands of years man has been on a quest for knowledge. And yet we have still only scratched the surface of the available knowledge. Every day humans learn hundreds of new things. Yet scientists remain puzzled by the origins of life and health professionals are limited in their ability to diagnose and treat patients. We are still far from explaining the deepest questions of life.

Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Until we acknowledge our foolishness and seek after God’s wisdom, we will never know the secrets of life. These mysteries are hidden in God’s infinite nature. Our minds are limited and cannot comprehend the things that are basic to God’s purposes and plans.

But there is hope. I Corinthians 13:12 says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” Life’s great mysteries will be revealed to God’s children when we see Him face to face in heaven. But this understanding will only be revealed to God’s children, those who have trusted in Jesus for salvation. All others will be left out and never know His great love, mercy, and grace. Start the journey toward knowledge by submitting to God’s mercy.

As we walked along the South Bend Riverwalk this morning, we could see and hear dozens of geese. Whether they were flying down the river or resting in the water, most of the geese were making lots of noise. Their squawks are as annoying as they are incessant. In my experience, geese are not easy to get along with. They are very territorial and will aggressively defend their turf. But it is their squawking that is their most offensive characteristic.

Now that I have gotten that off my chest and am finished complaining about geese, let’s move onto to the squawking of a different sort. Some people have become champions in the sports of complaining and arguing. I admit that I am one of those people, a fact of which I am not proud. I over analyze everything and everyone. I am honestly not trying to find something to complain about, but rather am trying to understand people and events. Still, when my analysis turns into grumbling, I have taken it too far. I need the grace of God and the mercy of His Son to influence my thinking and become my response, rather than complaining.

Philippians 2:14-15 says, “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you.” Complaining and arguing rarely make anything or anyone better. Words of grace and mercy, like those given to us in our Lord Jesus Christ, always make circumstances and people joyful. I am asking God to give me a heart of grace and mercy toward others, and guard my mouth so that I speak encouraging words rather than complaints.

Bad habits are difficult to break. Bad behavior is even more difficult to change. Sometimes I feel powerless to make the life changes that I know are needed. It is so much easier to stay on the same old destructive path.. I may have success in making temporary changes, but not in the long-term relief that I desire. I wonder why I am so weak sometimes.

I Corinthians 15:57 gives me the answer when it says, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I can’t make life changes based on willpower and personal efforts. However, if I am connected to the power source, which is Jesus Christ, God promises to give me the victory. God is rich in mercy, and He understands our weaknesses. He also provides abundant grace in giving us the strength we need to conquer bad habits and behaviors. Jesus faced every tempttion that we do, and yet, never sinned. He wants to give us the His power to overcome our weaknesses. All we need to do is ask Him for victory and trust His power source.