Ceasing to Strive is the Beginning of Decline

Read:  II Timothy 4:7,8

“When you cease to strive, the spark inside you begins to die little by little.” RMJ


I have notice a strange phenomenon among pro-atheletes when they retire; something I think we should take note of and apply. Pro-atheletes of any sport tend to be high achievers. They are used to stepping up to the plate and giving it 100%. Every training camp is an opportunity to improve their game. They get a kick out of striving and the ones who don’t are usually cut or sat on the bench. However, there comes a point where they’ve done all they can. Their bodies have taken all the punishment they are going to take and the thought of retirement looms. It is at this point care should be taken. If these pro-atheletes do not find other projects to strive in they will find themselves in despair. I believe God has created within us all an innate desire to strive and work and when we stop, we begin to deteriorate. You might say, “what about retirement?” Retirement is a modern term that needs rethinking. Temporary retirement called vacations are needed but complete withdraw from striving is dangerous. I know to many people who retired who literally retired from this life to the next. Sometimes they live for many years in poor health resulting in misery. I am not trying to be a stick in the mud just a help. I am not against retiring from your job just as long as you continue to strive after retirement. Mr Knighten, my neighbor, is 78 years old and is a retired contractor, but he has never ceased to strive. He still mows his acres of land whether they need cut or not, he has a garden he tends, he reads daily, and he feeds his horses. In fact, he believes in learning something new everyday. He may be retired but he still strives. When Michael Jordan retired from basketball, he didn’t quit basketball all together he just serves in a different capacity. When Terry Bradshaw quit the game of football, he didn’t quit all together, he now commentates for the sport. Consider what your retirement will look like; just don’t quit striving. Our rest will come on the other side.