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HELEN SANDERS
7-14-2026
NO RETIREMENT
As I study the word of God, I realize that none of those men and women that served the Lord retired from their call. They kept the faith and worked in the kingdom until they were called home, or were persecuted and taken out by death. In either case, they ran the race and finished well.
Often in the United States people live for their “golden retirement” years. They invested through their work into funds or through Social Security for that day when they could quit the “rat race” and live. Yet so many that have done just that found themselves floundering with no clear reason to live. Many have died shortly after retirement.
I truly believe that the world as we know it has neglected the wisdom and experience that seniors bring to their family and to the church. We are even warned in scripture to seek leadership from those who have the Holy Spirit and wisdom. In Acts 6 the apostles needed help from the people so they would be able to study the scriptures.
The requirements for a deacon/deaconess are found in verse Acts 6:3. Remember, that a deacon/deaconess means servant or one who serves. It says, “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”
The business was to serve food, and take care of the widows and orphans. It was not being a dictator to the apostles, and those in leadership. Notice the requirements:
1. Honest report
2. Full of the Holy Ghost
3. Wisdom
You do not get wisdom overnight. Your reputation for being honest comes over a long period of time that shows your true character. Being full of the Holy Ghost brings the wisdom that is necessary to serve.
These attributes should remain on each of us as we grow in the Lord. Wisdom is gained from experience, and the older generation has gleaned wisdom from years of experience. Let’s value their gifts and use them in the kingdom. There is no retirement from the gifts God gives us, but it is up to leadership to use those gifted but are advanced in age.
Be one that gleans from those that have paid the price to gain that wisdom.
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