Reluctant Retiree

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.

While social media has emboldened many people to voice their thoughts on many subjects, for many this bravado is a facade. What we have to say online, we don’t always feel free to speak about in person. While we promote certain ideas or personality online, they may mask our true selves. In addition, we may become reticent to speak, even online, because of negative feedback we have received.

However, we should never be hesitant or ashamed to speak the truth. Mark 8 :38 says, “For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Truth is not our ideas and opinions, but rather the objective God-given Word. The gospel of Jesus Christ is truth, that man may oppose but God will judge the world under. We cannot deny nor fail to speak this truth.

When we pass through a tunnel, it is dark and we can’t wait to get through the tunnel to the light. We do the same thing mentally. Sometimes we are taken to a dark place in our minds and we are eager to see the light. Depression may afflict us or we may become virtually incapacitated by our problems.

Romans 8:6 says, “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” When we find ourselves in the dark places, part of the problem is that we are focused on the wrong things. If we are only thinking about what we want, then we can’t see the light of what God can do. God is light and He gives peace and life. Focusing on our earthly desires will only take us to darkness, with no way into the light.