No, I don’t think I’m anywhere close to retirement.
But all believers need to prepare for the future, and for some, that will include some type of retirement.
I’m not in a place where I can write a lengthy article on this subject, but I will share a couple of helpful quotes on a gospel-drive approach to retirement (one of which comes with a helpful resource).
1. Quote from sermon titled “Gospel Compassion” by Colin Smith:
We desperately need a new definition of retirement…”To retire” is to get a new set of tires to keep you rolling in the service of Jesus Christ…Get a new vision for your golden years as the most useful years you can offer to Jesus Christ.
2. Quote from short book Rethinking Retirement by John Piper (free PDF)
Finishing life to the glory of Christ means resolutely resisting the typical American dream of retirement. It means being so satisfied with all that God promises to be for us in Christ that we are set free from the cravings that create so much emptiness and uselessness in retirement. Instead, knowing that we have an infinitely satisfying and everlasting inheritance in God just over the horizon of life makes us zealous in our few remaining years here to spend ourselves in the sacrifices of love, not the accumulation of comforts.
I hope these two short quotes stir your soul to not waste any part of your life or retirement in search of birdies or seashells, but rather encourage seeking new ways of rolling in the service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Tim says
Good and challenging. Is saving for retirement then saving up for things that a moth can eat?
Kevin says
Good question, Tim. No—I think that is something important. But it does mean focusing on serving Christ over yourself in retirement. Hope that helps!
Dan Evers says
Right on, Kevin. My sentiment exactly. I’m looking forward to the day when I get my new tires to use in service to the Lord.