I'd Rather Burn Out Than Rust Out

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." -  1 Corinthians 15:58

When do you retire from active Christianity? I don't think it is possible. One of the things that Martie and I are sensitive to is the idea of being shuffled into a "pasture" for the "seniors" at a church as if you are incapable of making a spiritual contribution to the rest of the local body of believers. Do you think there is a time when the Lord says, "OK, I think you have done enough." If He does, then wouldn't it make sense for Him to just call you home? I mean - stick him with a fork - he is done! Unless I missed it, the whole idea of our being here is that we are to be salt and light in a sinful world - there is no age caveat with those verses. That as we accumulate spiritual wisdom, it is our responsibility to share that wisdom with less mature Christians. And if it is us'ns that are immature then Houston we have a problem. The book of Hebrews speaks to this problem - so it is not new.

"We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness." - Hebrews 5:11-13

I think that part of the problem is that, at least in our culture, there is an expectation that our usefulness in the local church is used up by the time we are ready for social security. And many Christians just go along with that idea. Churches organize around it. What I tell people is that I would rather burn out than rust out. 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Does that sound like the Lord has a retirement plan for older Christians? I am thinking not. How about you? For Martie and me, when a certain work is finished the thought is never that we are done with service, but what does the Lord have for us next to do. One day it will be to join Him in heaven - but not this day. And like the prophet Samuel, we say, "Speak Lord your servants are listening."

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone