Reluctant Retiree

Children eagerly look forward to Christmas. If they could, they would speed time up so Christmas would come sooner. Their anticipation is fueled by the anticipation of gifts. They may even change their behavior for the better, thinking that they will receive nicer gifts.

Most of us want to change our lives for the better, as well. We want to be kinder and more loving. Some of us want to become more patient and caring toward others. We set internal standards for these changes and do things to prove we have changed. But, somehow, we always revert back to our old behaviors. Standards and efforts are not enough.

Galatians 5:5 says, “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.” This verse explains that righteous living does not come through rules and good works. We must, instead, trust God to make these changes in us through His Spirit by faith. He alone can transform us, by the power of the Spirit working in us. Then we will have hope of living righteously, making the changes that we eagerly await.

These days we have so many ways to pay for our purchases. We can use the traditional means of paying with cash. But we can also use credit cards, debit cards and virtual wallets when we buy in person. All of those payment processes are available to us online as well, but we can also use direct debit, online banking and services such as PayPal. Then there are also loans and leases that help us purchase bigger items like cars and houses. With all of these means to purchase, it would seem that we can have whatever we want if it wasn’t for one little obstacle.

Eventually we have to support these payments with our real life funding, either earnings or gifts. This funding requires us to somehow earn the money.

Therefore, we are required to determine what we need as opposed to what we want. Providing for our family’s needs is of fundamental importance. We cannot neglect to do so. Fortunately, God has given us a promise in this regard. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

So God promises to supply our every need, but there are some important qualifications to notice here. First, He doesn’t promise to supply everything we want, just what we need. Secondly, He will never come up short, because He supplies out of His riches. Thirdly, God’s supply doesn’t eliminate our requirement to work. Jobs are part of His supply. Finally, this promise is given to those who are in Christ Jesus, who have trusted in Jesus for salvation. God’s supply comes through Jesus, so if we have no part with Him, we cannot expect to enjoy the supply through Him. Only by submitting ourselves to His Lordship can we expect to be supplied by His grace.

In high school I was a student athletic trainer. I learned basic first aid and training skills. Eventually I was able to soundly tape ankles, knees and shoulders for practices and games.

Football players wear all sorts of protective gear when they hit the field. First, they are taped up to protect previously injured areas and to guard against new injuries. Then they put pads on their shoulders, knees, hips and thighs. They may wear some type of neck brace, as well. Finally, they put on a helmet to guard against head injuries, as much as is possible.

To walk through life safely, we also need to suit up with the appropriate protection. Ephesians 6:13-17 says, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take up the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying at all times.”

To guard our way and protect us against evil, the Lord gives us His armor. First we are given the truth to gird us against the accusing lies of the evil one. Living righteously protects our hearts from the lure of impurity. The gospel of peace leads us to walk in healthy relationships. Faith guards us against harmful attacks from others. And protecting our minds keeps us from following unrighteousness. Prayer activates these pieces of armor by calling on God to make them effective.

So suit up! Put on the full armor of God! Then march on to a life of victory.

What is your fondest wish for this Christmas season? Do you long for some shiny new object? Is your desire for a joyful family gathering? Are you simply looking forward to some time off and relaxation? Perhaps you have more altruistic aspirations that may include healing for a sick family member, help for the poor family down the street, restoration of a broken relationship, or end to violence in the city.

All these wishes are good in their places, and I truly hope your desires are fulfilled in the best way possible. But Christmas is a time of remembering how our greatest hopes have been fulfilled. I Peter 1:3-4 reminds us that: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” Jesus came and fulfilled our hope for salvation and redemption. Those who believe in Him receive a living hope of eternity and a glorious inheritance kept in heaven for us. Our greatest hope is satisfied and given to us to enjoy today and into eternity.

This Christmas season accept God’s gift. You will find that all your hopes have been satisfied in Jesus Christ.

The phrase “apple of my eye ” refers to something or someone that one cherishes above all others. People refer to all sorts of things as the apple of their eyes. At one time or another I have heard people refer to their car, spouse, house, favorite team, vacation spot, award, job, child, or golf clubs as the apple of their eye. In most cases, they are just pointing out that these things are important to them, not necessarily cherished items.

But what is it like to be cherished above all others. Hopefully, we find this experience within our families, but sadly not always. We all yearn to be cherished by another, to have someone’s love lavished upon us. But finding this type of love is difficult, at best.

In the Bible, God is said to direct this kind of love toward His children, those who come to Him in faith. We are called His beloved and the apple of His eye. Psalm 17:7-8 says, “Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. You save with your strength those who seek refuge from their enemies. Guard me as the apple of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.” God’s love is steadfast, never changing. His love is eternal, never failing or ending. His love is abundant, flowing over us in never ceasing supply. His children are His beloved, the center of His attention and affection.

Everything we have ever wanted in a relationship is available in God. We just have to admit that we need His love and choose to accept His grace through Jesus Christ.