A Life in Exile

I go through weeks where I have little interaction with other people and then suddenly, I find myself with a week full of lunch dates and visits. For an introvert, I have determined, especially in retirement, that I need to make sure I have these times with people. They are good for me, and I always come away blessed and encouraged.

During a recent conversation, I quickly caught on to how much my friend loved people and had developed some strong relationships. As we discussed issues her friends were facing, I told her that I would be praying for the Lord to use her to speak truth into their lives and to be his hands and feet to them. I shared that the Lord had obviously given her a ministry to be able to reach so many people, and she said: “I never thought of it as a ministry.”

How do we view our lives?

This same idea of ministry came up in my life group, as a sister shared how she and her family looked at their participation in sports as a ministry. They prayed, had devotions, and shared their faith with fellow participants. Now, as her daughter serves as a coach, she carries with her that goal of ministry to her team. This sister and others I know who work as nurses view their profession as a vocation—an avenue God has brought them into for the sake of his name. They are able to speak truth, pray for and with patients, provide care in Jesus’ name, and be a witness to their colleagues as they stand for Christ in times of crisis and despair.

As these and other conversations and Scripture came to mind, I realized that we have done a disservice to believers by focusing on the roles of pastors, teachers, and missionaries, while neglecting the importance of the ministry of the “average” saint. Who’s on the front lines in spreading the good news of Jesus, if not the people who are actually working and living out in the harvest fields?

We talk about living a Christ-like life, but we don’t emphasize how our perspective and attitude can be changed by looking at what we do as a ministry for the cause of Christ.

What about retirement?

As I’ve crossed the bridge into retirement, I’m listening and learning what this looks like for those who claim the name of Christ. While my earlier friend had not thought about her ministry, another friend shared some beautiful ways she speaks truth and Scripture to friend and stranger alike. She expressed her hunger to make every moment count for Christ, knowing that the older she gets, the closer she gets to eternity. I love hearing stories from her and other “retired” but active evangelists, as they meet people in stores and, led by the Holy Spirit, share words of hope and solace that can only be found as the hurting and lost turn to Christ. Their excitement over what God does is thrilling to behold.

But most of my interaction is with women—what about the men? Well, this is where I have some concern. With the exception of my youngest brother, who is all about pouring into others for the cause of Christ, I see few retired men taking up the cause of Christ as a ministry. In fact, I find that many men flounder in retirement because of a seeming loss of identity and value. They lose focus and direction.

This should not be the case for those who call themselves Christian. Let me give you an example. My father. Dad worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority as an electrical engineering supervisor for around thirty years. Back in the 1980s, he had the opportunity to take a buyout and move into early retirement. After talking and praying with my mother, who was still working, he decided to take it. Why? Because he felt led to use his time in serving as a volunteer in the Lay Renewal Ministry. He travelled to countless churches for weekend events, helping teach about the importance of an empowered laity, equipped for service in and outside of the church. He loved every minute. Yes, he did slow down after a time, but he was always pouring into the lives of others.

Okay, so not every man is up to that kind of challenge, but men can be spending longer in the Word during retirement and pouring into younger generations by mentoring, coffee shop Bible studies, and discipling young fathers or teenagers. If a man has a specific skill, they can teach it to a new generation, using the time together to speak truth, share Christ, and pray for the needs of men who need someone to care. All that is ministry. All that is to the glory of God and used for his purposes.

Ministry is about our words and deeds.

The book of Colossians is a great place to land if you’re struggling with next steps in your own life. There are two areas Paul wants believers to focus and consider as we live lives worthy of Christ Jesus.

• Relating to other believers.

This obviously means how we serve within the Body of Christ or among other Christians in our wider communities. The third chapter of his letter focuses on the practical aspects of living out our faith by purposefully putting on the attitude of Christ in such things as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We are to serve each other as believers in love, which strengthens our unity in Christ. Think about what ministry the Lord is giving you within your local church and in relation to the Christians you call friends. This verse should sum it up:

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 NIV)

• Relating to non-believers

Yes, our ministry is not limited to believers. We are to be salt and light to the lost and dying world. I like how Paul refers to them in the fourth chapter: outsiders. Does God have a ministry for you among outsiders?

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:5-6)

What are you doing to make the most of every opportunity? Do you leave your house with that thought in mind or just about what you need to get done?

God chooses to use us to be lights to the world. How are you letting your light shine through your work, studies, hobbies, and relationships? This is your ministry. You have influence in the lives of people others do not. Don’t miss your chance to spread the salt of the gospel by living a grace-filled life to his glory.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Wednesday Wisdom, click HERE, or check out these other posts on ministry and witness: Just Another Day or a New Opportunity?, A Family of the Word, Work While It Is Day, The Importance of Hobbies, and Seasons in Service.