-
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.
-
In Christ we will always have hope beyond what we’re currently experiencing in this world. He has assured us of the glories of heaven that far outweighs our waning pleasures here.
-
as an almost 70 yo I see somewhat clearly w gratitude to God His hand on me to allow this discernment in me and those around me – I am grateful for the community that I am in at church that cultivates these attitudes of cultivating and vision and connections that press through the complacent acceptance of the world’s offerings
-
God willing, as our lives near their end, we may find ourselves in one of two places: either filled with hope or consumed by hopelessness, experiencing either despair or ego integrity, guided by either wisdom or bankrupt foolishness. It is a time of deep reflection, contemplating what we have accomplished throughout our lives in order to advance the kingdom of God. When guided by the Spirit’s wisdom, this reflection manifests as unshakable hope—a confident assurance of what lies ahead—and a profound sense of satisfaction and gladness in having lived out our years in service to Christ.
Conversely, the latter path, guided by foolishness, is marked by fleeting joy and a mindset of anguish. It becomes a lamentation over the things we have not yet had the chance to do for ourselves. It is plagued by a selfish desire to indulge more and more deeply, as if trying to fill a void that time has left us with only a limited opportunity to satisfy.
-
Bankrupt foolishness occurs at the final stage of a lived life of foolishness, where a person pursues anything else but God. This can range from focusing on material wealth to living the facade of the Christian life. In these circumstances, the ordeals of growing older are met with increasing “reinforcers,” or creature comforts, to avoid the reality of the darkness of the soul and to placate discomfort. Intervention by the Spirit, however, results in an outward focus not on taking comfort in the self or the physical world, but on God Himself as an eternal hope, trusting the Lord in His character as faithful, true, and good despite the hardships and the difficult reality of life. This mentality enables us to not only survive, but thrive despite the limitations of our physical bodies.
-
Foolishness, given free rein in our lives will ultimately lead to a life of hopelessness, a stage of bankrupt foolishness. This is reinforced in our retirement years especially when we no longer have the energy or necessary faculties to pursue our aspiration to distract us from the emptiness we were facing in our younger days, without God in our lives.
Life in a relationship with God is gloriously different. While we may be faced with the same physical limitations of old age or struggles, the presence of God in our lives enables us to see life through God’s eyes, and find strength, comfort and peace in the sure and eternal hope that awaits us.