Poor People: Our Neglect

My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Acts 20:24 (NIV)

Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

Proverbs 21:13 (ESV)

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
Planted in the house of the Lord,
They will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
They will stay fresh and green,

Psalm 92:12-14 NIV

Since I've passed the mile marker, “65”, should I exit my course and settle down? To focus on me? To travel? To paint? To live without stress? To enjoy the ease of my retirement?

SIDEBAR: The upside of stress is that it builds strength– like climbing a hill or lifting a weight. Even plants build stronger stems in strong winds.

2nd SIDEBAR: My dad said: 'I'm not ever retiring. Because when you retire, you start to die. I’ve seen it happen again and again' *

Contrary to popular opinion, retirement is a modern invention. My new paycheck (social security) is helpful– and for most, NECESSARY. Older people have extra expenses. Aging bodies (like cars) need maintenance :)

But a sly lie is twisted in the mix: older brains can’t keep up with newer needs.** Christian question: Did Bible stars retire? No! Tribal elders were busy and revered. What if Abraham stopped moving forward?

Actors, models, and talent for Christ, of…

  • Differing ages, but similar hearts,

  • DIffering incomes, but similar goals,

  • Differing gifts, but similar missions…

While poor people are crying and dying, should any saint RETIRE from a calling?

Within the Parable of the Rich Fool,*** God's Message on our future plans is clear:

  • Heaping up and laying back isn't right.

  • In terms of savings, who owns our assets?

  • In terms of resting, who sets our schedules?

'For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required' (Luke 12:48).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Regardless of your age, remain active. Do NOT trust the world's financial advice. Do NOT trust the world’s retirement advice.

If we ignore the world’s poorest people, especially and specifically, those without the asset of saving faith, then we're indulging in negligent sin.

Poor People: OUR Neglect (Part 16)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

* My dad, Jack Lewis, was a decorated WW ll fighter pilot (China/Burma/India theater). After the war, he became a stunt pilot in the US Air Force and met my mother (a fashion model) in NYC during an air show. After they wed, my mom didn't want to be a military wife, so my dad left the service as a major and became an insurance salesman. He lived to be 88. Am I proud of him? I confess I am. No, he never retired and worked happily into his 80s.

** Short article: How Retirement Was Invented - The Atlantic

** Short article: The History of Retirement, From Early Man to A.A.R.P. - The New York Times

*** The Parable of the Rich Fool: Luke 12:13-21 NKJV - The Parable of the Rich Fool - Then one - Bible Gateway

Carey Arban