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As you consider the story Dr. Crabb related about his elderly parents, discuss the concept of bankrupt foolishness and what the final years of life might look like when guided by the Spirit’s wisdom instead.
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60 Replies
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Simple. We have assurance. As Paul said, to Live is Christ and to die is gain. We can look forward to doing God’s will regardless of whether we wake the next day.
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Bankrupt foolishness is having spent one’s whole life pursuing foolishness, and now at the end, having nothing to show for it, still desperate to fill one’s life with as much pleasure as they can. there is a sense, often, of fear, and of hopelessness.
Contrarily, when guided by the Spirit’s wisdom, one approaches the end of life with an assurance of peace of the soul, awaiting ‘the best that is yet to come’ when we see Jesus.
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Bankrupt Foolishness seems to be the last desperate the satisfy the flesh before the end of life.
The last years of life led by the Spirit waits for the day heaven comes and prepares, mentors and gives to everyone around them for the kingdom of God. Things like sharing wisdom how to love God and love people: kingdom flourishing. Filled with joy not fear. Filled with self-forgetfulness (no pun intended) so others can flourish.
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Bankrupt foolishness seems to focus on “forcing” the most out of the world that you can get. The foolishness continues, and yet the things that once brought fulfillment are now required in even larger measure to make them content and happy. On the contrary, a life guided by the Spirit’s wisdom is one filled with love, contentment, and peace, knowing that life isn’t all about what makes them happy, but about what brings God glory. They recognize their own brokenness and need for God. Hard times still come, usually in great measure, but they hold on to the hope in Christ and lean in to His yoke. They are also likely pouring out themselves on behalf of others by giving wisdom, direction, and love, as the Spirit leads.
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When guided by the Spirit’s wisdom, the final years of life can look like my two elderly mentors. Every day is still an adventure. A trip to the laundromat is an opportunity to share the gospel. They are the most thankful people I know. They overflow with Thanksgiving. They are completely others-centered. They are completely dependent on the Lord for each day’s direction. They pray and people are healed internally/externally. They trust the Lord with their whole hearts. They laugh a lot. They seek out opportunities to encourage and bless others. Young and old flock to them, even in a very godless city.