Retirement, from a Christian Perspective
Retirement, from a Christian perspective, is an interesting topic because the concept of retirement as we know it today isn’t found in the Bible.
In biblical times, people like Moses and Elijah continued their work until their deaths, passing on responsibilities rather than retiring.
While the modern idea of retirement emerged over the past few centuries, it’s important to rethink what retirement means as a Christian.
The idea of retirement today is often linked to the pursuit of enjoying the fruits of our labor after years of work. However, if we don’t involve God in this process, we miss the greater purpose behind it. The book of Ecclesiastes, for example, reminds us that wealth and enjoyment are meaningless without God’s purpose.
What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.
He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.
I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:9-13
Retirement, then, should not be an end to all activity, but a shift in focus.
The Bible encourages us to use our resources wisely, as seen in verses like those in Proverbs, where we are advised to store up for the future, much like the ant does for winter.
Go to the ant … Observe her ways and be wise,
Prepares her food in the summer
And gathers her provision in the harvest. Proverbs 6:6,8
This principle applies to retirement planning, but retirement itself doesn’t mean stopping all work. God has a purpose for us in every season of life.
Even in retirement, we are called to serve God with our time, talents, and resources. People who lack purpose in retirement often become unhappy, because God created us to continue contributing in some way.
Retirement, from a Christian perspective, is about seeking God’s direction for the next chapter. We should commit our plans to Him and trust that He has something meaningful for us to do, whether that’s volunteering, mentoring, or using our skills in new ways.
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
One of my favorite examples of this is Jim, who continued to serve God in retirement by using his business expertise to help a pastor in Haiti set up an entrepreneurial center. (you can read more about that here)
Retirement isn’t about stopping but about transitioning to a new role where we can still be productive and fulfill God’s purpose.
In retirement, we should remain good stewards of our resources, ensuring we’re cared for and can support others while using our time to serve God.
When we pray and ask God for guidance, He will lead us to a fulfilling and purposeful retirement. A life without purpose, even in retirement, can be unfulfilling, but when we align our plans with God’s will, retirement becomes a time of joy and service.
For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13
Ultimately, God has a plan for every stage of life, including retirement. By seeking His will and using our resources wisely, we can live out a retirement that honors Him and fulfills our calling.
As we move into this new phase, we should be open to God’s guidance and continue serving Him with the skills, talents, and resources He’s given us.
Additional Resources:
Gospel Patrons
I love this site, these books. It is all about how God uses people’s abilities and their wealth to seek first Jesus’ kingdom. In fact, throughout history God has raised up business leaders and wealthy people to be personally involved, financially invested, partners in the spread of the gospel. Gospel Patrons and you could be one! https://www.gospelpatrons.org/
Holy Discontent
Willow Creek senior pastor and author Bill Hybels writes with pastoral fluency that everyone needs to find his or her “Holy Discontent” – a moment where our passion and purpose intersects. Hybels also describe this as the “Popeye Moment.”
Holy discontent is when you experience an uneasy spirit about the brokenness of this world which aligns with the heart of God that spurs us to take positive action to change the world. Everyone has something that causes use to feel uneasy about. Something that will dislike and frustrate. What is Yours?
- For Moses – it was the misery of God’s people.
- For David – it was Goliath trash-talking His God and his people.
- For Nehemiah, it was people mocking God.
Order the book to learn more. https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Discontent-Fueling-Ignites-Personal/dp/0310272289
A few additional Scripture References:
They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, Psalm 92:14
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, Colossians 3:23
Trust in the LORD and do good…
Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalm 37:3-5
I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah 46:4