Reluctant Retiree

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.

I’ve come to Louisiana to work on disaster relief. The area suffered damage from a hurricane last year. The damage is not always visible on the outside level. Often the damage is hidden underneath, but can be more devastating. Mold from water damage hides beneath the surface. The impact can be devastating.

Sometimes we try to hide our inner self. We have light hearted discussions and joke around. But our clever disguise does not hide the quality of our character.

John 3:20-21 says, “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” Our character is revealed in our actions. If we are selfish and do things with evil intentions, then our character is displayed to others as wicked and we are far from God. But if we do good works with righteous intentions, then we are judged by others to be of good character and we are close to God. Come to the Light of God’s love and let Him redeem your character.

Yesterday I drove through New Orleans. At two distinct places, there was heavy traffic, once due to an accident and the other time due to a stalled car. Once you find yourself in traffic, you have few options. You can try to find a different route, but that rarely proves to be a good option. Or you can simply proceed in the direction you are going. You really have no power to change your situation.

The Christian life is similar in some ways. Becoming a Christian is like merging onto a highway. Your direction is governed by the highway. As a Christian, your direction should be led by the Spirit of God within you. He also directs the speed that you proceed. You can get off the highway and reject His direction, but the road will inevitably be rough, slow and not take you to the place you want to go.

Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” The Christian lives by faith in the Son of God, trusting His Spirit to give him power to live righteously. To live in any other way is to live misdirected lives, unable to do what God wants us to. Find your way by trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation and redemption. The road may not always be smooth but God will lead you where you really want to go.

Last night I went to the Atlanta Braves baseball game. It was cold and a strong wind was blowing. It was difficult to persevere through the conditions to enjoy my favorite sport. But we did endure and still enjoyed the game and the fellowship.

Often we have to endure difficulties to achieve our goals. We work at lower paying jobs that we don’t enjoy in order to reach our objective of the higher paying job that will bring fulfillment. We suffer through family problems to preserve the family unit. We find that endurance is necessary to move forward and become the people we want to be.

In Luke 21:19 Jesus confirmed this when He said, “By your endurance you will gain your lives.” Even in our faith, endurance is required to grow and move forward. Stay strong in the faith that God supplies in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So much of our conversations are light and surface level. We discuss activities and plans, but not the deeper stirring of the heart. Sometimes, in the right environment, we will share our struggles. We will also freely discuss our victories and joyous celebrations. We may discuss our opinions on political, social, or athletic issues.

However, we all have an important story to tell, if we are so bold to do so. As an example, Jesus healed a man, releasing him from the many demons controlling him. Mark 5:19 says, “And he did not permit him but said to him, ‘Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.'” Those of us who have come to trust in Jesus as our Savior and Lord have a story to tell of His great mercy toward us and how He has changed our lives. Be bold and courageous. Tell your story!

If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, please just take a moment to listen to someone’s Jesus story and consider what Jesus can do for you. Everyone needs the mercy of God. Everyone can be changed by the love and grace of God.