God's Retirement Plan

Chuckle: "Did you hear that one of Santa's reindeer now works for proctor and Gamble? It's true . . . Comet cleans sinks!"

Quote: "Esteem age and you will always have life to look forward to. Esteem youth and you proclaim your own obsolescence." --Unknown Author

"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever" (Psalm 73:26 NLT). "The Lord gives strength to his people and increases the power of the weak" (Isaiah 40:29 NIV).

During a men's Bible study, I heard someone comment that some people feel that when they retire from their professional careers, they should also retire from the Lord's work through His church. Some may say, "I've done my time; now it is time for the younger people to take over." Is this the attitude God wants for us?

Of course, it's true that many older folks have physical limitations that prevent them from serving as they once did. However, I can't find anywhere in Scripture that we should ever retire from service to our Lord and to others. The work of the Lord should continue throughout our lifetimes as God gives us strength. Then we will benefit from God's fantastic retirement plan which includes resting from our labors in His presence throughout eternity (Praise) .

Our passage tells us that even though our health may fail and our spirits may grow weak, God is still with us and will provide strength and increase the power of His people. Senior Christians have much to offer in valuable wisdom and skilled service to others. I believe God would have us continue to do all we can for as long as we are physically able. Even the physically disabled can pray, use the telephone, send an e-mail, or write a note, thereby blessing the lives of people in unbelievable ways.

It is a terrible tragedy when older persons come to think of themselves as no longer useful and crawl into the prison cell/shell of self-pity, despair, and loneliness. Medical science tells us that long and productive physical lives result from remaining active and challenged. I believe this is true in both our physical and spiritual lives.

Remember, as you become weak and tired, God's power and strength will never diminish. His strength is our source of strength. When you feel you cannot go another step, you can call upon God to renew your strength. "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need" (Philippians 4:13 NLT). This verse says we can do everything God wants us to do in His strength. Your faithfulness to your church and ministry to others in your later years will bring you much joy and serves as welcomed inspiration and encouragement to younger people as well as to others who share circumstances similar to yours.

Love, Jerry & Dotse