21 No use-by-date…
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 3:14
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race and I have remained faithful.
2 Timothy 4:6-7
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses…let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Hebrews 12:1
Have you ever entered a race, prepared for it, looked forward to finishing – hopefully first – and then deciding halfway through that you’ve run enough, and you deserve to stop and still win the prize? A silly possibility perhaps?
Yet this is what so many people, including Christians, do. The notion of an expiry date doesn’t just apply to food and software licences. Many people believe in the concept of a retirement age when they can stop work and begin to live for themselves. Take that long holiday, watch the soapies, relax, chillax, forget about anyone else but themselves.
But you and I, and everyone else out there in the world, were born to a purpose, born to serve. This isn’t something we pick up when we get to a certain age and then drop off at another point in our lives. One of the greatest lies we are sold is that we deserve to take a rest, we’ve done enough, now it’s our time. Serving God and others should be something we begin as soon as we are able to walk and end, as Paul did, when we die.
Do you have children? Then show them how they can serve others – chores at home, baking biscuits for their neighbours. A friend of mine brought his 12-year-old on a mission trip to India. That youngster learnt so much about serving as we ran programs for disadvantaged children. Are you in your twenties or thirties? What are you doing to serve – in your workplace, through your church, with your families and friends? And if you’re in your older years, contemplate how you can make a difference in another’s life, in this world.
I recently turned the big 70. In my life I have served God in many ways – I have taught in Sunday School; been a Children’s Pastor; worked in missions through Scripture Union; participated in 4 mission trips to India; and much, much, more. I am still seeking God for the next chapter of service. I have been asked by Christian and non-Christian friends if I’m retiring now, taking time out for me and the temptation is there. To just kick off my shoes and relax. But that’s not what God wants for me, or for you. We are in this race called life for the long haul. Let’s live our life to the full in service to God – there is nothing better.
Prayer: Lord, serving you is part of our worship to you, and it doesn’t stop because we are too busy at work, we get married, have a baby, or reach the magic retirement age. Show us where we are to serve you and others next. May our desire be always to serve until our dying day.
Amen
Action: Whatever stage of life you are in examine what you are doing with the years, days, hours, minutes, seconds God has given you. Ask him for direction so you can serve him as he intended you to.
Journal your thoughts:
