Believers Have a Lifelong Purpose

“You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” Titus 2:1-2 NIV

In a story titled “It’s one foot in front of the other,’ Wisconsin runner completes all six World Marathon Majors” posted Sunday, it was reported that

Dan Bertler recently finished the sixth and final race to earn the coveted Six Star Finisher Medal.“All six are done and in the bucket,” the 58-year-old Oregon resident said. To earn the title of marathon running’s greatest prize, runners must complete all six World Marathon Majors: Boston, Chicago, London, Berlin, New York City and Tokyo. Bertler finished the Toyko Marathon on March 2nd. But crossing that finish line didn’t come without some hurdles. “This year, I had a little bit of a hiccup. Started running in December and tore my meniscus. So, hadn’t finished the medal, had to finish Tokyo. Had to get there,” he said. Bertler went to UW Sports Clinic. The doctor said “We’ll get you to the finish line.” “And that’s exactly what happened,” Bertler said. “So I’m done! Six races, the majors are done and next step I’m retired from marathons.”

And you know, while it’s one thing to retire from marathon running when you’ve done all you’ve set out to do, it’s a whole other thing to retire from serving in the Church (and remember that church isn’t a building). You see, Christians may be free to “retire” from their occupation, but as lifelong disciples of Christ, they aren’t ever free to retire from serving God because there’s always work to do—work that will look different at every stage of life. For instance, when a person’s young, they might serve in ways that require a lot of energy and strength. But when they’re old, they might serve as teachers to older believers and as mentors to younger ones. They can even serve as prayer warriors, door greeters, or in countless other positions despite the limitations age might have placed on them. The point is this… everyone has a lifelong purpose and job in the body of Christ. 

So if you’re fortunate enough to be freed from the demands of working for a living, make the most of the opportunity to do more work for the kingdom my friend. Using the wisdom, experience, talents, and resources the Holy Spirit has given you through a lifetime of discipleship will benefit both you and the church. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that if we have a pulse, we have a purpose. Which means believers must have a plan to make the most of the days they have—knowing that a person’s time, talents and treasures are not given to them in vain but to be used in service to You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!