Every Stage of Living

 

Write From My Heart / September 22, 2020 / Every Stage of Living

 James 4:13-17 (NIV)  Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”

            Admittedly, this is a little longer passage than I generally use for a devotion. And at the onset, it would not seem very positive. However, if we break it down a bit, I think we’ll find several golden nuggets of truth and hope.

            Perhaps the first clarification we need to examine is that of making of plans in an appropriate manner. When Jesus cautioned his disciples about the cost of following him, Jesus used the example of counting the cost for building something to completion, (Luke 14:28-30). Again, we are told the foolish man builds his house upon sand while the wise man selects a solid foundation, (Matthew 7:24-27). The first example relates to counting the cost of discipleship, the second example relates to putting into practice the teachings of Christ—but both examples display use of common sense in planning. Planning isn’t the problem. Planning without consideration of God’s will is the issue of concern. Scheduling medical appointments weeks, months, or yearly is part of health care and responsibility for taking care of the life God has given you. Planning ways or times to worship along with spending time in Bible study and prayer is part of daily spiritual growth and part of our responsibility to our Heavenly Father. When I was a teacher, I knew this was part of God’s plan for my life, so I knew following busy school calendars was an essential part of that calling. You have undoubtedly experienced similar situations. Now let’s explore a new area of thought on the topic of planning.

            I am now officially retired from teaching. I have a lot of “spare” time on my hands that I didn’t have before. I know many readers are also either retired or semi-retired. So how does “making plans” affect us? Yesterday, I listened to a very engaging sermon online (Rev. Sam Worley, Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL; “Living the Good Life”) and one particular sentence still stands out in my mind. Rev. Worley encouraged, “Our contributions matter at every stage of living.” At the time, he was referencing contributions of service. Retirement years can be the most fulfilling years of service to our Heavenly Father if we focus on what God has enabled us to do in terms of abilities.

            I’ve always pondered the last verse (4:17) in this passage, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” I’ve always thought that to be a little harsh. Now I think I’m beginning to understand a little bit more about this. God has showered his people with gifts, talents, abilities to use for his service. Even the home bound have the ability to pray or encourage others with notes, cards, text, phone calls and other means of communication. Not everyone may be called to teach, mentor, guide, or write—but many of us with newly discovered retirement time may be called for just such purposes! Only you know how the Lord is preparing your heart. Only you know in what ways you might serve him. But to give up, to do nothing at all—well, I’d have to agree that would be a sinful waste of the blessings and opportunities God has provided. To be sure, not one of us can be certain of how much time we have left to serve our Heavenly Father. Let us make every effort to seek him in our future plans. You might be pleasantly surprised at the opportunities for service and blessing yet to come. Even the smallest contributions of service can make great positive change occur. 

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)  Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.