Retirement

Proverbs 16:31 “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.”

After 38 years working for ‘Ma Bell’ (aka AT&T), I retired. I was raised that you grow up getting an education for a career, then you build a life (a family, a modest house and investments) with an end to that career in the plan. You provide for and raise the kids to grow up and do the same, you pay off the house and eliminate large debt, and you get to the point financially that you no long require new income to live comfortably as pensions, 401Ks and investments take care of the monthly, bi-annual and yearly bills, plus a little in the bank for entertainment and things breaking down. Doesn’t everyone? You don’t live to work; you work to live and someday retire to provide the same opportunity for new young individuals as you pass the baton on to the next generation. But, you have to thoughtfully and carefully plan for it, work for it and be prepared for it. 

Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

But, for the disciple of Jesus Christ, Christian retirement comes only at glorification, when we go to be with the Lord in Heaven. Until then, God’s people are active in their Christian home and in their communities, countries, sates, nation and the world working the purposes of the Lord and advancing the kingdom. I read that Believers of all ages in all times are called to serve the Lord as agents for Him to change lives for eternity. No doubt, there are seasons of life that change as we age, but kingdom work never stops this side of heaven. There is something that needs to be done and that we can do for others in the name of Christ and for Christ’s sake. You never retire in God’s work here. Growing older shouldn’t diminish one’s walk with the Lord. Use your retirement to as an opportunity to reach other with the gospel and the love of God. The family and community is your mission field.

Psalm 92:14-15 “They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and

flourishing, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”

God gives each of us gifts and with age comes experience and wisdom to share with others. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, no matter your age, you are to spend your time serving Jesus and others around you, because, after all, a Christian is never old enough to retire from God’s work.

In Christ, Brian