Words create pictures and give meaning to life in many ways. I’m often caught off guard as I read lines in a novel which impact me, or an idea in a devotional I’m reading is so well articulated I have to stop and ponder what I truly believe. Recently, a daily devotion book I read and have read off and on for probably 30 years, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, offered up one such opportunity to ponder how I function in my life.
So here is the question – when you’re looking at your future vision, are you always focused ahead to what is coming, what you hope to accomplish, how God is going to use you in ministry? We are caught up in a world that “casts vision” for the future – creates 1 year plans, 3 year plans, 5 year plans – where do you want to be? Our eyes are always looking ahead at what is possibly or hopefully coming, straining to capture a glimpse of what could happen in the future. We call people who do this well “visionaries.”
But in Oswald’s devotion on this particular day, he challenged the reader (originally the listener to his sermons) to consider looking behind you – what is pushing you (not pulling you) to move forward with your vision. He says, “The great controlling factor is not the needs of people (ahead), but the command of Jesus (behind). The source of our inspiration in our service for God is behind us, not ahead of us.” Looking behind you gives you insight into why you are pursuing something specific in your future. And he proposes that the best “looking behind” is that of recognizing the foundational truths in your life. What do you base your future dreams on? What has formed you and molded you so far in this life that makes you want to pursue a specific future goal? Do your “behind you” and “ahead of you” line up?
As we seek to find purpose in retirement, looking for opportunities to serve and bless others, look behind – why do you want to serve? Think of the reasons you are compelled to go and do, to take time to use your gifts and talents for the benefit of others. The “ahead” of needs around us are plentiful – our own families need our blessing, neighbors are hurting, loss is painful, loneliness is real, life is overwhelming for many. The needs “ahead” can almost blind us to God’s command behind us to go and serve.
Oswald proposes that understanding what is behind us helps us create a vision that is in step with who we really are, who God has created us to be, what his will is for us. And he says it is our faith in Jesus and our desire to be obedient that gives us the strongest reason to cast vision for a future, no matter what that vision is.
So today, we ask ourselves, what “behind” me gives me the direction I need for what lies “before” me? Am I letting my godly firm foundation accumulated over the years guide me? Or am I allowing the cries and calls of a retirement I am told I should be living map out my future? Are we standing on a firm foundation or on shifting sands?
Don't Waste Your Retirement 