Occupying Until Christ Comes

A few years ago, I came across a man whose final days inspire me to emulate a certain aspect of his life as I enter into the senior years. Since people are touchy at times, I am not going to mention this gentleman by name, though much of what I am about to write is positive. 

It was the early 2000s that I became a news reporter which would last until 2006. During those three years one of my “beats” was local government. The elected officials of one council were hard workers. An aged member among them impressed me.

Like the others, when he sat behind that desk to make decisions, you could tell that he had “done his homework.” He kept accurate records. He faithfully read and studied the information given to him, even bringing documents to bed with him. This was before computers were furnished for those council members. He did not want the computer at first, but soon adapted to it and appreciated it.

Each time I saw him he was in fairly good health and quite alert. That is why I was surprised to discover he had suddenly died. Other council members told me of this while I was covering another news event.

He inspired me to stay busy for Christ until I leave this world one way or another. As this aged man was busy with earthly government, I want to be busy in the Kingdom of God. And I have much to do, so much that one of my pet projects, developing a computerized series of lessons on basic Christianity for new converts, has been on the “back burner” for about two years.

Through a parable in Luke 19, at verse 13 Christ indicated that we should stay busy for Him until He comes. I view that coming as either one’s death or the going to be with Him in the rapture. If you honestly adhere to the Name of Christ there is always something to do for His kingdom. Our lives must not be self-centered, but be Christ-centered. Even if you are physically weak you can always intercede through prayer as directed by the Holy Spirit for others.

However, we must be very careful that we do not become so busy doing things for Him that we neglect our primary office: to worship God, an expression of our love to Him. Note the admonition to the church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:4-5), “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

Spending quality time in His  presence is one of the best things we can do for His Kingdom, for in His presence we gain the authority and power to continue to minister.

I encourage all who call on Christ to disregard the idea that some in society present regarding becoming older and keep busy for Christ.

Note:

God willing this shall be part of my Bible GemLight series as tanzanite003.