Retirement

Follow me and I will make you fish for people.

 - From Mark 1

Glenn Beck said once, on his radio show, that he doesn't understand retirement. He mentioned figures in the Bible that never retired, (many of them died as martyrs). And then he mentioned Colonel Sanders, who at 65 was still an unknown . . . but built an empire that was way better than a retirement plan.

God has given us specific gifts. And I think it's clear that the purpose of the gifts is to build His Kingdom.

What does it mean, to be a fisherman, and to be made into a "Fisher of Men" by our Master? Does it mean that fishermen are never to fish again, for a livelihood? Probably not. Even Apostles have to eat and need shelter. They could still fish, for pay, or for food. But the unique skills it takes to fish would then be used specifically in building God's kingdom.

Does this mean that if you're a handyman, that you should spend your time replacing lightbulbs in the church, and repainting it every five years?

No, I doubt it. It means that as you are out and about, doing handy work, that you are to be purposefully adding people to the Kingdom. But the traits that good handymen have in common: spacial sense, problem solving, good with hands, a long, project-based view. Hopefully they take the long, effective path in working with others, helping solve their problems, fixing the little things, keeping their friends and family in great emotional and spiritual working order.

A church with a great handyman among it's membership shouldn't think in terms of having him replace a commode in the facility, when needed. Perhaps he should be supported as he goes out to neighborhoods in disrepair, lived in by people that cannot afford to maintain their homes . . . and help them.

Not during spring break. Not two weeks out of the summer.

But all the time. When needed. 

The Apostles did not reach some old age and move to Florida. 

Your skills, your talents, your passions. The things you do well. They must be utilized in building God's Kingdom. And unfortunately, you are most effective with people you know well. Your family. Your life friends. And yes, they are the most awkward ones to serve.

There was a very, very good teacher. The kids loved him. He was great at imparting math concepts. He got into teaching because he said that, as a kid, he struggled in school, and he wanted to take that attitude into his work with kids, because he understood them.

Partway into his teaching career, he became successful in an Amway-type business. He left teaching forever, but said to me: "I'm still teaching. Except, now I am teaching adults how to make money."

Right.

Or, I mean . . . not right. 

His skill was teaching children. And we desperately need good teachers that kids love, in our schools. Not holed up in their $500K home waiting for opportunities to go speak at MLM rallies. 

Your skills have been given to you to make the most good, where they can do the most good. And nothing is "more good" than ensuring that as many people as possible join the growing throng of citizens in God's eternal Kingdom.