Real Christians don't retire

"Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." Matthew 9:37

Any good church attending Christian has heard this verse preached from the pulpit or used when encouraging volunteer work for ministry. But the truth is it's true. Many people begin ministry with good heart full of intent, but quickly tire of the chore that ministry can become. I hear many claim that they want to be used, but when the tough gets going, they quickly follow, especially when ministry interrupts your life.

This verse simply states that most don't have the stamina that goes beyond the day to day religiosity; anyone who has been part of a committed core of leaders in a church can attest to the truth of this verse.

I will admit, I get tired, and sometimes I show up to ministry functions out of pure obligation rather than passion or desire, but during those times the Holy Spirit kicks in and I always leave filled, blessed and happy that I went. Even when my attitude isn't pure check when I start, I believe God honors my commitment. God always shows up, which is why I have been able to stand strong for more than 10 years now. I am humbled to know that God's will always prevails, with or without me; The blessing being in knowing that God wants to use me, and therefore meets me where I am.

Therefore, when scrutinizing what "true ministry" looks like as called by God, I do not see it simply restricted to church function, but rather, it is a day to day, minute to minute, second by second commitment. Everything I do, Every decision I make is wrapped around God's kingdom to some to degree. Either I am being used to glorify my God or my sin is disgracing his name.

In Numbers 8:24-25, God told the Levites to retire from their regular duties at age 50 but He did not want them to stop helping others. He said that they should “minister with their brethren . . . to attend to needs” (v.26). We cannot take this incident as a complete teaching on retirement, but we can see a godly implication that continuing to serve others after our working days are over is a good idea. Therefore, being a Christian is not like being a Teacher, it is not a job that I will one day retire from. Being a Christian is a lifestyle. The more I consume myself with that thought, the more I embody the person God desires me to be in this temporary life.

And when we tire from doing what is good, despite the pleadings of Paul in 2 Thessalonians 3:13, keep in mind The Lord will give you help and strength for the work He bids you do when we serve others from a heart of love.In the end, it all goes back to where it began-your relationship with the Lord himself. If we constantly feed others and don't get fed ourselves we will starve. The same holds true for those who serve the Lord - we must refill on scripture on a daily basis.