In part 1 we looked at the retirement that is mentioned in the Bible and also the idea of rest that the Bible is flooded with. Now let’s look at retirement defined and re-defined.
Definition of Retirement
Merriam Webster defines retirement as:
withdrawal from one’s position or occupation or from active working life.
Unfortunately many people often think and define retirement as quitting work altogether and not doing anything.
As if retirement consists of sitting on the couch and mumbling (Christian) expletives at Drew Carey for ruining The Price is Right!
3 retirement types
There’s basically three retirement types if we boil it down to the basics.
- My Timers - ”Retirement is my time!”, you’ll hear them say. They do what they want, when they want and who they want to do it with! They think of retirement as a time to finally live for themselves.
- No Timers – “I’ve got no time to do anything because I’m so busy”, is the creed they live by. They fill their schedules with all kinds of errands, busyness and other things that eat away their time.
- Give Timers – “How can I help, where can I volunteer” are questions they always ask. They view retirement as an opportunity to serve others.
You can see the differences among these three types. The first two are selfish with their time, energy and resources and think that retirement is all about their enjoyment.
The last one “get’s it” from a Biblical perspective that their time, talents, energy and resources are a gift from God that should be used to serve and bless others.
Here’s what is ironic about the Give Timers - living that way is about their enjoyment – they enjoy being a blessing to others.
I think the Bible is pretty clear that we are called to serve others and to love them as ourselves and that includes during retirement. In fact I would say – especially in retirement because we don’t have employment constraints to work around.
Redefining Retirement
Perhaps it’s time to rethink and redefine exactly what retirement is from a Christian perspective.
Instead of us thinking, “I can’t wait to retire so I can relax or play a million rounds of golf with my buddies, or buy that winter home I’ve always wanted” - we should think about community outreach, church ministry, volunteering at non-profit organizations and missions trips.
Are golf, relaxing or winter homes evil in and of themselves? No! By all means – enjoy them. What I’m trying to suggest is that we don’t view those as the prize!
Jesus is the prize!
I want you to see that retirement frees up time for endless possibilities for the kingdom of God!
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re holding on to your retirement dreams and goals as an idol - this means you probably need to have a heart-to-heart with God and ask Him to reveal what you need to let go of.
It’s not wrong to desire retirement enjoyment and do things you’ve always wanted to do. But, this may mean you need to re-evaluate your motivations.
In my opinion, what we often fail to realize is there will be rewards in heaven for what we do here on earth, which are designed to maximize our joy both here and especially there!
Let’s blaze a new trail - one that redeems retirement!
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Another way to look at it might be to consider that as we age and enter the retirement years–what ever that may look like for each of us–we’re also drawing closer to death/unity with Christ than ever, and now is an outstanding time to do our best to align ourselves with Him in ways we never could before.
The Christian walk is a journey, but one that should grow more intense the longer we’re on the path.
At a minimum, it’s a superb time and opportunity to witness to others who are standing at the same gate but haven’t come to faith. There’s always SOMETHING we can be doing, if “only” witnessing to those around us.
.-= Kevin@OutOfYourRut´s last blog ..Envision a Future Without Debt =-.
I like to take this one step further and say that our entire lives should be focused on submission of our time. If we don’t do it in our work lives… we’re not going to suddenly change and start doing it in our retired lives.
It’s about right now. Are we serving Christ the way He wants us to right now? Are we utilizing the talents, time, health, and wealth He trusts us with for the glory of His name?
.-= Matt Jabs´s last blog ..Interest Paid: How Much Debt Costs Spreadsheet =-.
@ Kevin – You bring up a good point – It reminds me of Psalm 90:12, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom”
The reality is we don’t know when our time will come and we need to be ready at all times, now and in retirement.
.-= Jason´s last blog ..Weekend Edition – Wealth and Happiness =-.
@ Matt – I agree, it’s not like a switch will suddenly flip on and we become a servant in retirement. These are practices that must be cultivated now so that when we do have more free time it’s just a natural and automatic thing to go serve.
How many opportunities do we waste because we aren’t ready or we aren’t looking for them!?
.-= Jason´s last blog ..Is Retirement Biblical? (Part 1) =-.
Thanks for addressing this topic. I suppose, because the bible is basically silent on retirement, I had never really considered whether it is biblical. You handled it well!
I am sort of retired in that I draw a pension and no longer work at my original career (engineering). But, because of what society thinks of retirement (the Drew Carey illustration is hilareous!), I don’t like to consider myself “retired”. I simply am at a time in life where I have more choices and I feel God’s hand on my life more and more. I aspire to be, as you so aptly described, a “give timer”.
Thanks for the challenge!
@Matt Jabs + Jason – Couldn’t agree more with what you say about cultivating the servant attitudes. In relation to service, a good friend of mine says, “its not how you started the race that matters, its how you finish.” So, finish strong.
.-= Davey Boyd´s last blog ..3 Bible Texts About Money That Speak To Me =-.
Davey- you’re right – we need to start well and finish strong! Perseverance is key and cultivating the servant heart is hard, but so worth it.
Joe – thanks for the comment. Glad to hear you are “retired” and pursuing opportunities apart from your original job. Hope you keep seeking ways to be a “give-timmer”!
.-= Jason´s last blog ..What is True Wealth? =-.
I think this is pretty spot-on.