“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.”
The American dream conjures up pictures of retiring in a lounge chair on a beach or sitting on the back porch gazing at the mountains. We dream of working hard, making our mark, and then coasting into retirement.
That sounds good and has been promoted to us continuously, but there is one small problem…. Retirement isn’t found anywhere in the Bible. (See Moses, Abraham, John the Apostle, etc.) Even the Levites working in the tent of the meeting, who got to stop the heavy lifting at 50, continued to labor for the Lord.
Our verse this morning clearly says we ARE God’s work, created to DO God’s work, and there is no expiration date on our usefulness as it is to be our way of life. So, you may be able to retire from your professional “busyness”, but that simply allows you more time to chase what matters.
In fact, this passage indicates that your schedule for today was created before you were. What if those of us who are “more seasoned” didn’t follow society's expectations that we rest on our achievements – and instead enthusiastically pursued the good work God still has planned for us to do. How energizing is it to know that, by God opening your eyes this morning, He is indicating that He still has tasks for you to complete.
Young people in our culture have been rebuked for not valuing their elders… But perhaps we older ones need a little scolding for allowing age to make us question our ability, stamina, and importance.
There is a difference between resting and being idle. Resting temporarily is necessary; it refreshes and strengthens you. Being idle is detrimental and allows you to drift into ineffectiveness. Paul said he “finished the race.” Races are finished sprinting to the end and leaning into the tape. Quit looking for an easy chair and instead run hard after what God has specifically equipped you to do today.
Each year that you have lived has given you more wisdom and knowledge, training you to achieve the tasks God has planned for you today. So, saddle up. You can retire when you hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
“Don’t let the Old man in” – Clint Eastwood
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