Most every longtime Christian has heard this line when trying to recruit volunteers for layperson ministry:
“I’ve put in my time serving the church. I’m retired now and it’s time to relax and let the younger people do the work around here.”
Hmmmm……
Have you made such comments or at least been tempted to do so?
What does God think about such comments?
I know that it would be wrong for me to say such things and I pray that I’ll avoid the same trap when I enter my golden years.
I’m actually looking forward to a very active ministry life until I die, even after I’m no longer in a staff ministry.
There’s so much to do and if I can minister for the Lord, then that’s what I should do without reservation.
Actually, my sense of relaxation should come then from the joy within of serving God, not from recliner-comforted muscles.
Even if the day comes that I’m bed-ridden, I can still communicate with others about God via phone, computer or if someone visits me.
The writer of Psalms 92 clearly defined God’s will for how Christian service activity should abide during the latter years of life. About the righteous, the psalmist wrote:
“They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green” (Psalm 92:14)
Old fruit trees in a grove aren’t kept from destruction out of respect for their age, but instead because they’re fruitful.
Let’s each pledge to remain fresh, green and fruitful until we take our last breaths on earth. Why? Because it is God who gives us the breath in order to use it for His praises, His purposes and His people.
Even when the joints don’t move and the eyes barely see, we can move the heart of God and others with our lips and with our “fresh and green” thoughts and words.
Please speak a word of thanks today to an elderly believer who remains passionate about praising and serving God. You’ll be honoring not only a godly servant but also the Lord who compels and empowers that believer.
As always, I love you
Martin
