Retirement and Beyond

Although a person can retire from a work-position at any age, the Bible doesn’t encourage those who are Christians to stop serving God when they retire or reach a certain age.  The Bible tells us that Joshua was well advanced in years and yet the Lord said to him, “You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over” (Joshua 13:1).  There was still work for him to do even though he was probably between the ages of 85-100.  Having a rocking-chair mentality and sitting outside his tent was not the attitude to have nor the place to spend his time.  There was work to do and he was to continue to serve. The instruction in the New Testament that Peter gives is that, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms” (I Peter 4:10).  Did you notice that there is no mention of age?  In other words there is no time at which God-given gifts should cease to be utilized.  Service should be rendered to God at every age.

Throughout life we should be learning, growing and maturing and be ready to share the truths of God’s Word with kids, grandkids, and others, whether early in life, or later.  In elderly years our prayer should be similar to that of the psalmist who said, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:18).

A few questions might be appropriate.  You have been learning, growing and maturing – so, are you ready to share your wisdom with others?  Are you sharing the lessons you have leaned with individuals from the younger generation?  If you are retired, what have you learned about God’s power that you can continue to share with your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren?

Summertime and Vacation Time

Warm weather, bright sunshine, fragrant flowers, and green grass all point to summertime.  When we think of summer, most of us think of these things, as well as vacation – whether we travel away to some distant place or stay at home.  When we think of vacation we may also think of resting, relaxing, exploring, or participating in some adventuresome activity.

To be sure, summertime (and vacation time) is a time for all of us to rest and be refreshed.  This is important for our lives because each one of us needs rest and refreshment.  But sometimes our “vacation time” or “summer time” attitude keeps us away from God.  We find ourselves participating in lots of activities but forgetting about the usual disciplines of the Christian life that keep us in touch with God.  As a result we draw apart from God rather than coming closer to Him.

If this mind-set becomes a part of our life in the summer time, we will find that we may be refreshed physically, but we will also discover that our spirit begins to dry up.  That is why we need to rest in God.  The Psalmist said, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

That means that we can rest at the same time that we stay in close contact with God.  As you and I enjoy this special time of the year, let’s make sure that we don’t forget God.  During the month of July we have celebrate Independence Day.  So, as we rest in God, let’s also remember to praise God for the freedom that we enjoy in our great country.