Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. (2Ti 2:1-7)
We are to strive, not with men, but with our crucified flesh and old nature, that we may through Christ and His power over sin be victorious in this life, living in Him and He in us, the abundant and everlasting life here and now. We are to labour, not for the fruits and rewards of this life, which will pass away, but for eternal blessings, doing the will and the work of our Almighty GOD. We are to teach, not the doctrines of men or of devils, but the very Words of GOD that all may know Him in Truth and receive His great Salvation by grace through faith.
Our retirement may be out of this world, our crowns waiting for us at the Throne of GOD, but we can and do see the fruits of our labours, in those who repent and are reconciled with GOD through forgiveness and faith, from the Word we share, live, and preach. We see lives changed as we minister to those around us who are hurting and in need. We see the body strengthened to the work, as we love one another and disciple one another in the Word. We see lost people saved by the power of GOD when we share His Good News with others as we go, and see those that believe the Gospel and repent receive life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet