Reluctant Retiree

As the temperatures outside fall, the thermostat inside is set at increasing levels. We compromise and set the thermostat at a level that is too low for her and too high for me, but bearable for both of us.

If only it was so easy to regulate our internal emotional temperature. For instance, I am not usually easily angered. But at times I can feel my anger temperature rising when I perceive some injustice or am pushed in a direction that I do not wish to go. If I give in to the anger impulse and react inappropriately, then I am sinning and generally offending someone.

Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Anger of itself is not the problem. We can be angry at injustice and unrighteousness. The problem comes when we improperly act upon our anger and hurt others in the process. We need to find a way to keep our internal thermostats set at peaceful levels. That generally means that we must turn the anger over to Jesus and let Him deal with the source of our anger. He can help us to respond in gentleness and humility, which the Bible says will turn away wrath.

As a kid, do you remember saying “That’s not fair” at some perceived injustice. When my sister or I said that phrase, it usually had to do with desserts. One of us would complain that the other received more than we did. Perhaps you complained that your sibling was allowed to do something that you weren’t. Basically, we thought that our sibling was treated differently than us, even in similar circumstances.

Social justice leaders use the same logic in describing our justice system today. They state that enforcement of laws is not even handed. Whether or not we agree on a case by case basis, we need to listen to the complaints and make improvements where necessary.

Unfortunately, perfect justice will not exist in our world, because imperfect people administer justice. However, we can find perfect justice administered in complete righteousness. Psalm 33:4-5 says, “For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.” God can enforce perfect justice because He is completely righteous. His justice is even better because He is always loving and faithful to His Word.

The only place that you will find true justice is in our holy God. That fact can be either good news or bad news. It is good news to those who trust in Jesus, because in Him our sins (unrighteous acts) are forgiven and we are redeemed. But for those who do not trust in Jesus, God’s justice will demand punishment for their unrighteous acts. God’s judgment is coming. Will you stand with the redeemed, or will you suffer the punishment of a just God?

Raising our voices can be a sign that something good is happening. But it can also result from an unpleasant experience. A sports fan loudly cheers when his team scores, but also harshly scolds his team’s mistakes. Crowds scream allegiance to their favorite personalities and performers, but loudly rebuke those that they disagree with. We might raise our voices to hail a taxi in the city or to signal to a friend far away.

So raising our voices is socially acceptable, in many places. However, we look down on people who loudly berate a retail or restaurant worker. Loud voices in hospitals are frowned upon. We dislike high volumes from our close neighbors and those who disagree with us.

You may not know this, but the Bible actually approves of loud voices. Psalm 66:1-2 says, “Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!” So the next time you feel like shouting, go ahead and give it your best shot. Only make your words be praises to God. You might want to be a little careful where you shout praises, like not in a hospital zone. But let the praises be raised. God is certainly worthy of our praise.

Now that I am retired my wardrobe has been simplified. I no longer need the dress shirts and ties for work. I don’t need a suit for special occasions. Most of the time I wear a t-shirt and jeans. I feel free from the constricting clothes of formality and business.

Before retiring, I prepared for work in the same way each morning. I usually woke up before 4 in the morning and started my day talking with God in prayer and listening to Him by reading His Word. I wanted to make sure my attitude, heart, mind and soul were ready before I made my body presentable. Then I made sure that I cleaned up and shaved before dressing for work. I gathered my briefcase and computer and headed to the office. No matter what kind of work we do, we each find certain things necessary to prepare for the day.

Paul wrote instructions for his disciple, Titus. These directions were given to prepare Titus for the gospel mission he was given. Titus 3:1-2 says, “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”

Paul was instructing Titus, and through Titus to other disciples, to prepare their attitudes and hearts for their service. The same is true for us, whether we are preparing for the work day or getting ready to serve God and other people. We will need humble and gentle hearts and mindsets. We will also need to put a guard on our mouths to honor others and avoid conflict. To do all that, we must depend on the power and grace of God to work in us and through us to His glory. Let’s prepare for each day by not only dressing up but by gearing up our hearts and minds for good works.

Recently the story of 21 members of a mission team held captive in Haiti was in the news. The captors wanted a ransom of millions of dollars for the release of the hostages. As I recall, the demand amounted to one million dollars per hostage.

That got me thinking about the value of a human life. What is a human life truly worth? If you or I were held hostage, what amount would be the fair value that our family, friends, or government could pay to save us? Does the amount vary depending on our character or what we contribute to society? Should the amount vary based upon our age or wealth?

Psalm 49:6-9 says, “Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit.”

According to God, no amount of riches is suffice to ransom a life.But the meaning of these words is far deeper than simple ransom. You see, we are all held captive by our fears, weaknesses, pride, and sin according to the Scripture. Their is no price of wealth or works that can be paid to satisfy God’s purpose. So God has already paid the ransom to free us from our captivity. I Timothy 2:5-6 says, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”

In His love for us, the Father gave His Son to save, redeem and ransom us from death into eternal life. However, there is one problem. For this ransom to become effective, we must accept it. We must agree that we are held hostage by our selfishness and sin, and believe that Jesus will set us free.

God’s redemptive offer has stood for thousands of years. Will you not accept it today? Freedom awaits your reply!