No Time to Retire

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” – Colossians 3:23

In the United States, Labor Day is the day that we celebrate the work force.

As we grow older, physical limitations and health struggles can limit our working ambitions. Still, many of us are willing and able to work into our sixties or seventies—or even beyond. Some people find that they have to keep working to pay bills and put food on the table, but there are others who want to keep earning money so they can be generous to others. Others of us are well into retirement.

The Bible gives no specific age for retirement—it doesn’t even mention the concept. The apostle Paul envisioned a life of service to God: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” So in whatsoever capacity we work, whether employed or not, we should do it as if we were doing it for God.

In the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) God says, “Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work.” – Exodus 20:9-10

Why is it important to take rest from our labors? It’s important because it gives us time to worship and praise God, learn from his Word, do good for others, and develop the gifts we have been given—all to God’s glory. We need to take a time of rest to spend time with God. Maybe you’re thinking you don’t do anything here, but you do. You are still “on the clock” in God’s employment. Remember Paul? He was often under house arrest, but he still did the work that God had called him to do. He was unable to do his “regular job” as a tentmaker as he was confined to a house, but he spent his days sharing the gospel with anyone with whom he came into contact. It could have been a Roman soldier, a prison guard, or a traveler passing through the city. No matter whom, Paul was always ready to share Christ with them. That was his job.

So, even here you labor for God. You can share Jesus with your fellow residents, the friends you’ve made here, the caregivers, the kitchen workers, the physical therapists… anyone who crosses your path, you can be a “Paul” – sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Maybe you aren’t sure what to say. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 16:3, “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” So if we seek God’s guidance, He will do His part and help us to know what to say or do. Remember Moses? He was reluctant to accept God’s call because he didn’t think he would know what to say. God said, “Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” (Exodus 4:12). Jesus told his followers, “…take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12). GOd always keeps His promises. If He says He will help you know exactly what to do or say, He will do it.

I can think of two things you can always share. The first is how you came to trust Jesus as Saviour, and the second is what He has done for you. We assume that everyone knows about Jesus, everyone knows how to get to heaven, how to be saved, but the truth is… not everyone does. Our job is to be sure they do.

Remember, that sharing Christ with others is never a vain… or empty… thing to do. God’s Word reminds us in Isaiah 55:11, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

When we grow older, our blessing and witness may diminish in the workplace, but it can grow among family, friends, church, or the community in which we live.

So, on this Labor Day, celebrate your employment with God, and serve Him well, but remember also the importance of taking the “day of rest”, and worship God as He deserves.

Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.

(from “Give of Your Best to the Master” by Howard B. Grose)

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”- 1 Corinthians 15:58

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What have you done for God lately?