Reluctant Retiree

When my son was very young, we would watch baseball games on television together. He would also come to watch my softball games. I would toss him a plastic ball and he would imitate the players on television, matching their stance and swing. One of his favorite things to do was to stand at one end of the hallway and run into the living room and end by sliding into a piece of furniture with perfect form. With just a little bit of careful attention directed toward professional baseball players, he could mimic them to the finest detail. It was truly impressive.

All children tend to imitate their parents in a number of ways. It could be in the way they walk or talk. It might be in some habits of the parents. How often are parents embarrassed by something their child says or does and by the fact that the child learned it from the parents. It is important that we be good role models for our children, because they are watching carefully all the time.

The apostle Paul encourages us to become imitators of our heavenly Father. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

How should we imitate the Father? By loving Him and people in the same way that Jesus loves us, selflessly and sacrificially. We must give love careful attention, like a child watching a parent, for that is what we are.

What gets you going each morning? What keeps you going throughout the day? Is it your drive to succeed? How about an urge to make a lot of money? Perhaps you are an artist and the desire to create drives your internal engine. Maybe it’s only the coffee that moves you because nothing else does.

If it is something temporal like money or fame, I have bad news for you. Temporal things do not last and cannot satisfy. We have to look beyond selfish concerns to find real satisfaction and eternal benefits.

II Corinthians 4:17-18 says, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Selfish actions and ambitions last only a moment, while selfless love for God and man benefits all for eternity. At the end of each day, we will look back on our self-centered thoughts and actions with regret. But we will find glory in any selfless love that we gave away. It all starts with trusting in the God who gave His only Son so that we might live.

Last night we watched our grandson play varsity football. He started for the first time and it was awesome to watch his enthusiasm. It was a very close game that came down to the last drive. Our grandson’s team won on a field goal.

What is the difference between winning and losing between two closely matched teams? Coaches will tell you that it is a matter of who wants it more. That is probably true, but it never hurts to have gifted athletes.

Our spiritual lives are somewhat similar. What is the difference between a lukewarm faith and a dynamic relationship with God? It is a matter of consistent trust and commitment to God. Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him, and he will act.” Unlike football, where you work hard and develop skills, in life we commit ourselves to God and trust Him to work and bring good results. If we trust Him and stay committed to Him, He promises to act on our behalf. The giftedness is not in us, but rather in Almighty God.

Today we made our annual pilgrimage to the apple orchard. I love Honeycrisp apples and this orchard has the best. They even let you sample them as you are picking. I don’t know how many we picked, but it will last us for months.

This is still early in the season, so the trees were full of fruit. It made my mouth water in anticipation of many great snacks, pies and breads. Apples are good for me and tasty. What a great combination of benefits!

Jesus expects us to bear fruit for His honor in doing good works. These good works vary from believer to believer, but include helping those in need, being kind and generous, and telling others about God’s love. Jesus talked about bearing fruit in His name and his words are recorded in John 15:1-5: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. “

Abiding in Jesus is the key to bearing fruit, for we can do nothing apart from Him. Abiding is denying our selfish ways and surrendering to His loving ways. It starts at a point in time, when we trust Him alone for salvation and redemption. It continues in a lifetime of trust and obedience.

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to walk in the light, as opposed to darkness? The light reveals dangers that you can’t see in darkness. The light reveals the best path to take. The light gives us confidence as we walk.

I take a long walk every morning. This morning I started about 5 am. It was dark when I started and still dark when I finished. It is easy to get somewhat on edge at times like this. If someone passes me before I notice them, I tend to startle easily, even if they give me a friendly greeting. I have to be extra cautious with my steps so I don’t trip or bump into something. The Bible says that God is light and His light shatters the darkness of evil. I John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

We must walk in God’s light. If we do that, God promises to remove all fear and protect us from the darkness surrounding us. In His light we have fellowship with one another and enjoy the power and presence of God.