Retirement is an accomplishment to be celebrated! It is always a thrill to rejoice with those who have worked hard for many years and are now rightfully being honored and recognized. With the departure from a particular line of work comes the opportunity for both respite as well as new challenges.
Right here at South Green Street we have some who have just retired and a few who are anticipating doing so in the very near future. It is so great to see the bright expressions on their faces as they relate / anticipate the occasion of their retirement. You can’t help but be excited with them.
This weekend, while spending time with Matt Cook, we teased each other about getting old. We talked about what life was like before kids and what it would be like once they were all out of the house. We talked about work and if we’d ever be able to retire…
But, as Allen has so often correctly pointed out, we know that there is no retirement age for Christians.
Whatever our age, God expects us to be serving others and living faithfully for Him.
Remember: There is an incredible amount of Scripture dedicated to aging / growing older. And, in fact, God says age is a GOOD THING! Age is a blessing!
· Prov. 3:1-2 “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.”
The blessing of faithfulness and obedience was a long life. Age is a blessing.
· 1 Kings 3:14 “If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statues and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”
His kingdom would last? Sure…but also him personally. Age is a blessing.
· Genesis 15:15; 25:8 Abraham was promised and then blessed with a long life – he “died in a good old age, an old man and full of years”
This was God showing favor to Abraham – not punishment! Age is a blessing.
No one disputes that physical strength diminishes…this is the way God has made us! We were designed to age – to grow and to mature. (cf. 2 Cor. 4:16-5:5) But while the physical may diminish, spiritual strength can surge!
Pray to God and work to be a difference maker to younger generations! You are needed right now!
Don’t look for excuses to avoid participation, look for opportunities to serve!
Let us join with Moses and plead with God that He will “teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12).
No matter what stage of life you find yourself in today, make the most of it! No matter what stage of life you find yourself in today, know that the choices you make today affect your life tomorrow.
