Reluctant Retiree

In our world today we find numerous leaders violating human rights, destroying lives, and serving themselves rather than the people that they claim to serve. These leaders acquire huge fortunes while their people starve and are denied basic needs. Many are dying of malnutrition or at the hands of violence. Even in our country, some leaders are becoming wealthy while their constituents suffer.

This is not leadership! This is only blind ambition and greed.

Jesus described a different leadership model when he said, “But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” Jesus’ teachings often contradicted the culture of His time and still contradict our culture. Jesus proclaimed that a true leader is one who serves his followers. To be great we must first develop a lowly mindset and a commitment to serve. Serving others is the first step toward effective and admirable leadership.

Have you ever had an occasion to wait eagerly for something in the mail or a delivery? Perhaps you waited for some big check that was needed to pay bills. Or maybe you anticipated a package of something you ordered online or a gift someone purchased for you. The anticipation builds until the expectation is fulfilled. Sometimes anxiety and fear also increase when the awaited things are absolutely necessary.

The Gospel of Mark tells the story of the father of a very sick child. He eagerly sought healing for his child. He brought the child to Jesus’disciples for healing. However, the disciples were unable to help the child. Jesus finally arrives on the scene and the following discussion ensues with the father speaking, “But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us’. And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief.'”

For those who believe in Jesus, we can do all things in faith. Jesus even provides the faith to believe. Apart from faith, we can do not produce any good works. Trusting in Jesus provides us with salvation, certainly, but also the power to do righteous deeds.

My wife and I live in Indiana, primarily to be close to two of our children and five of our grandkids. We try to visit our other son’s family as often as we can. One of our favorite things to do is enjoy the sports, music programs, and other events that our grandkids participate in. It is a joy to watch them give their best and often do well in the things that they enjoy.

I wonder how often we enjoy the success of others in different venues. If a coworker gets promoted, due we feel truly good for them beyond a cursory “Congratulations!”? If a friend buys a new car, one that we can’t afford, do we feel happy for them or just jealous.

God has a different view of the well-being of people. Psalm 35:27 says, “Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, ‘Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!'” God is exceedingly happy to take care of the welfare of His servants, those who delight in His righteousness. What gives us joy, gives Him even more joy. When we bear fruit for Him, He celebrates with all of heaven.

I am currently in the land of oil refineries. They seem to be everywhere. Yet the price of gasoline is as high as it is back home. With these high gasoline prices, I fantasize about being able to drive up to a pump, fill up my tank, and the merchant giving me the gas for free. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get free renewable energy?

God offers us free renewable energy, not for our houses and cars, but for our minds, bodies, souls, and spirits. Colossians 1:29 says, “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” God’s infinite energy is available to those who trust Him. His energy is free and renewable every day. Why, then would we use our own energy? His energy will work powerfully within us when we believe in Him. Don’t get tired using your own strength, trust God and He will give you His power.

We have been working on hurricane disaster relief for four days. It is very strenuous work and we are very tired at the end of each day. But we are also very glad. We are helping people out in their time of crisis. Many have no other place to turn. In this area, relief organizations have been slow to respond.

Somehow tiredness is more acceptable when we have helped others or done something good. It is extremely frustrating to be tired as a result of meaningless activity.

Jeremiah 12:13 says, “They have sown wheat and reaped thorns; they have tired themselves out but profit nothing. They shall be ashamed of their harvests because of the fierce anger of the Lord.” God says that only what is done for His glory and in the power of His Holy Spirit will profit a man. Everything else will not last, will be burned and someday we will be ashamed of what we have done. If you don’t yet trust in Jesus, it is time that you give Him your life. Then and only then can you do what is profitable.