Retirement?

I'm reading John Piper's "Let the Nations be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions." If you're at all interested in understanding why there is such a thing as a missionary, this book is required reading. It will certainly challenge your heart to do more for missions.

In chapter 3 Piper asks an interesting question: Is the concept of retirement Biblical? He says, "Since the first edition of this book in 1993, one of the significant advances in Christian mission strategy has been the emergence of ministries focused on mobilizing people in midlife for the cause of finishing the Great Commission. Paul's words in Acts 20:24 have come alive for thousands as they contemplate a better way to finish their earthly live than to throw them away golfing or fishing in the unbiblical dreamworld of wasted lives called 'retirement'."

Wow! That's a pretty strong statement. One of the organizations he highlights is "The Finishers Project." Here's a part of their vision statement: "The Finishers Project is a movement to provide information, challenge and pathways for people to join God in His passion for His glory among the nations. Boomers are and will be the healthiest and best educated generation of empty-nesters ever. This generation is skilled and resourced with a multitude of talents. We can either give them to Jesus to lay up as treasure in Heaven or lose them." I don't know anything else about this group, but I sure do like the idea of encouraging older, mature believers to live out the rest of their lives fulfilling the Great Commission.

The Finishers Project

Act 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (ESV)



An Easter craft.