Retirement is defined as “the action or fact of leaving one’s job and ceasing to work.” (Oxford Dictionary) Our country has an emphasis on retirement from physical work, but that should not roll over into spiritual work.
Remember, Moses led the people of Israel at 80 years of age. Caleb was still vigorous at 85 (Joshua 14.10). Also, remember Paul’s words to Titus in Titus 2.1-10. 2.
#2 – One does not need a sophisticated education to follow Jesus
Some believe one must know everything in the Bible to follow Jesus. However, the closest followers to Jesus were ordinary men.
Remember the words regarding Peter and John in Acts 4.13? Their example was not in their education, but in their influence.
#3 – Hell is optional
One of the best parts about life is the choices we can make.
Did you know that you can make a choice not to go to Hell? You can make the choice but will you follow up on your choice? Jesus is the only way to Heaven (John 14.6). One must be in Jesus and the way to get into Jesus is through baptism (Galatians 3.27).
#5 – Everyone can do something
Following Christ is not a time to sit back and relax, but it is a time to work. Paul says we are created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2.10). At other times, Paul speaks of the abilities given to each Christian (Romans 12.3-8; Ephesians 4.11-16).
Unless you are a college
basketball fan, you probably never heard of Zion Williams until February 20,
2019. Even today, you may not know who Zion Williams is, but allow me a moment
to tell you his story.
Zion is a star basketball player
for Duke University as well as one of the best college basketball players in
the country. However, on February 20, 2019, Zion Williams fell to the court on
Duke’s first possession of their game vs. rival North Carolina. Zion’s Nike shoe fell apart. It literally had
a blowout.
As a result, Zion suffered a
sprained knee meaning he had to sit out the last five games of the regular season.
A further result of the incident saw Nike’s value fall by $1 billion dollars
and Duke lost the game to UNC as well as their #1 ranking. All because of a
blown-out shoe.
Sometimes we do not think about
the small things, like a shoe, until they cause an issue or are needed. Zion’s shoe failed. It did not fulfill its
intended purpose and as a result, caused pain and loss.
But what about your purpose? At
times, our purpose may seem small, but if we do not fulfill it, there is pain
and loss. It reminds me of Paul’s words in Ephesians 4.16,
“from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
Each part of the church (the body
of Christ) has a purpose, are you fulfilling yours?
When you have a Bible question, where do you look?
Do you look in the Bible?
Dr. Malcolm Kendrick told an Eastern Tale that tells of the search for truth.*
A traveler passing through a village spotted a man on the ground obviously searching for something. Wanting to help, the stranger stopped and asked what he was trying to find. The man explained he’d lost his key.
Together they searched through the dust and leaves for more than an hour but found nothing. The traveler asked the old man if he was sure the key had been lost in this area. The elder told his new friend, “Oh, no! I lost it in my house.”
Irritated by the waste of time, the traveler demanded, “Then why are we looking out here?” The wise man, who used such opportunities to teach others, replied, “Because out here the light is so much better for looking.”
*The Great Cholesterol Con, Malcolm Kendrick, 2007, p. 206
Many people look where they are comfortable instead of the place to find the real answers. God has provided us all things for life and godliness (2 Peter 1.3) and the words of the Bible are written so we may believe (John 20.31).
How much time are you spending searching the Bible for life’s answers?
Each day Christians are put under a microscope to see whether their actions are consistent with their beliefs.
There are many in the world who watch a Christian’s every move and listen to every word to see whether they are in line with what the Bible says. Some examine out of sincerity, while others examine out of a critical mind. Being an approachable Christian is important because we are the light of the world (Matthew 5.14-16) and our light will only shine as bright as our faith will allow. To shine our lights brighter and extend the grace God has offered us to the world, we must be approachable as Christians.
Being approachable means we must not hide under the guise of being perfect, but under the reality that through Christ we are being made perfect. Being able to give an answer concerning the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3.15) implies that someone is going to ask us about our hope. Going further, for them to ask us, they are going to approach us. Our lives should be lived in such a way that we are approachable Christians.
Take a moment and see how you can become an approachable Christian:
Be Genuine – Finding a genuine person is becoming a lost art. So many are creating an image in public and never showing any faults or mistakes. Our society seeks to rise above the reality that everyone is not perfect; in fact, none of us are.
Pray Daily – Where would each of us be without constant prayer? If we are not praying, I almost guarantee someone is already praying for you. (That might be the reason you are where you are.)
Seek Jesus – Stop seeking to be a “super Christian” and seek to be like Jesus. Jesus is the model for each of our lives. Since the church is the body of Christ and Christ is the head, our actions should be made fully known as we follow the head.
Be Honest – Honesty is the best policy is definitely true when striving to be an approachable Christian. Just being genuine is a major factor, so is the life of honesty.
Approach others – To be approachable means you must be willing to approach others as well. You must be willing to step up to the plate and approach someone and speak to them. Open yourself up to someone else and create a sense of openness.
10 –Old people should not retire; young folks need you! – Remember Moses led the people of Israel at the age of 80; Caleb was still vigorous at 85 (Joshua 14.10) and remember Paul’s words to the Titus (Titus 2.1-10).
9 – Sophisticated education is not needed to follow Jesus (Acts 4.13).
8 – Bald men, well at least one, have power (2 Kings 2.23-25)
7 – You can read the Bible every day.
6 – Everyone has a gift to use; given to them by God. (Romans 12.3-8; Ephesians 4.11-16; 1 Peter 4.10-11; Matthew 25.14-30)
5 – The Bible even has a book about sex. Apparently there is something God wants us to know. (Song of Solomon)
4 – It allows me to eat bacon. (Acts 10.15)
3 – The Bible proves itself. (Science does not prove the Bible, the Bible proves science.) – The more people search, study and investigate nature, they find themselves staring at a Creator.
2 – Hell is optional. – You do not have to go; there is a better place called heaven and the Bible tells you how to get there.
When Christ said, “Follow Me” He was intentional. Jesus had a purpose behind calling those fishermen in Matthew 4.19.
He saw something in them and called them from their profession to life of service. He saw something in them they did not see in themselves. I am sure it took many adjustments to go from a fishing career to walking with Jesus every day. No matter how hard it was, the apostles lived an intentional life.
Their purpose was different, their thoughts were challenged and most of all, their purpose grew greater. Remember the words of Christ, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men”? Jesus was transforming their life to one of intentionally living for Him.
As Christians, I don’t think it is necessary to leave your job, but I do believe it is necessary to live intentionally for Christ. Because of Christ we are a changed people, let us live for Him.
How to Live Intentionally!
Start living intentionally today – Many people plan on following Christ tomorrow. If you know the great news of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-8) and you know you needed Jesus (Acts 2.29-37, then it is time to do something about it (Acts 2.38).
Create a Plan – The old saying is, “Fail to plan and you plan to fail.” It takes some planning to live intentionally. Plan to read your Bible. Plan to take notes. Plan to talk with some about coming to services.
Start Small – Begin your intentional life by starting small. Get plugged in to the activities of the congregation and spend time with others who are living intentionally. Having a supportive and caring family is a powerful key to spiritual growth. (1 Corinthians 12.26)
