Retirement…one of the anchor points of the American dream…and one of the more awkward topics for people (especially in my generation) to talk about.
For the next 4 weeks we’re going to touch on 4 awkward topics. Though they are generationally focused they are important for all of us to process from a biblical perspective.
Today - Retirement. Let me give you a working definition:
Retirement – ceasing from all work and living off of accumulated wealth for the rest of your life.
Yes, I know that that definition is a pipe dream for most of you but it has been the shining final star of the American Dream. It is what Americans have clung to for the past 80 years or so.
However there are 2 large problems with the concept:
· It is a fantasy for most people. It is an illusion…a pipe dream.
· And – it’s not God’s idea nor is he OK with it.
Let’s look at those two problems…
First the fantasy part of the idea of retirement…
· Most people will be unable to retire in the classic sense…ceasing from all work and living off of accumulated wealth.
o simply because they will not have saved enough to do that.
(1) old school pensions are a thing of the past
· my dad and steel company (age 62)
(2) people then are responsible to save from their salaries
· 26% have nothing saved
· 23% have taken loans or early withdrawals
· many have something but not enough to cease working
· Social security will provide something but for many radical adjustment of lifestyle (<30,000 year)
We are facing the greatest retirement crisis in American history. Forbes Magazine
71.4 million people will be age 65 or older in 2029.
Those 65 and older will make up about 20 percent of the U.S. population by 2029.
This may be an awkward conversation to have but it is ESSENTIAL! Because classic retirement is a financial fantasy that families and the church community must deal with straight up.
there is another problem with classic retirement. God doesn’t like the idea anyway.
· Retirement (classic…the cease from all work to take life easy…golfing, knitting, etc.) will limit your impact. Retirement is not biblical. Retirement is not a good idea if we want to save the world. And God wants to save the world.
Do not retire. Reload, renew, refocus, reform, replenish, relearn…but do not retire.
I’m going to give you three reasons why…you should not retire…
Ø Don’t retire because you have much more to give.
· Fact - you will live longer than any other generation…to date. You have many years ahead of you.
o yes, you will have to slow down. Your body is changing. But some abilities are growing: more empathic, better at synthesizing ideas, we actually grow smarter.
You may forget where you put the keys, but you may be able to settle a major labor dispute. Marci Alboher, The Encore Career Handbook
Psalm 92:12-14
The righteous will flourishlike a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of theLord,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruitin old age,
they will stay fresh and green Psalm 92:12-14
Note: old age fruit bearing not a given just because you get old…
· key 1 – staying righteous
· key 2 – stay planted in the house of the Lord
but if you do…you will bear fruit even as you age. You will become a sage.
Do not retire. Reload, renew, refocus, reform, replenish, relearn…but do not retire.
Ø Don’t retire because you have a calling to fulfill.
Ending a long time career can be the beginning of the fulfillment of your Ephesians 2:10 destiny.
For we are God’s handiwork,createdin Christ Jesus to do good works,which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
· It is the opportunity of a lifetime to finally realize your full life calling.
· It is the opportunity of a lifetime to invest in the next generations.
· It is the opportunity of a lifetime to leave an incredible lasting legacy.
But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24 New Living Translation
You can quit your job. You can leave your occupation. You can end your career but you cannot cancel your calling and you cannot revoke your destiny.
Do not retire. Reload, renew, refocus, reform, replenish, relearn…but do not retire.
Ø Don’t retire because the world is dying faster than we’re making disciples
We are losing. The church is slipping in the regeneration of the next wave of followers of Jesus.
· The 6 Broken Places of the World. (Pain, Injustice, Isolation, Decay, Hatred, and the granddaddy of them all – Separation from God) are getting worse and more ingrained in the human experience.
What will not help is an entire generation of disciples of Jesus deciding they’ve done their time and it’s OK to coast. It’s not.
Classic retirement is a me-centered lifestyle. And God is not OK with that.
Maybe this is what Paul was thinking when he wrote this:
My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24 New Living Translation
…or this…
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
It’s a good fight…this battle for the souls of young men and women. It is work past work.
Do not retire. Reload, renew, refocus, reform, replenish, relearn…but do not retire.
If this resonates here are some practical suggestions:
1. Get and read The Encore Career Handbook by Marci Alboher
2. Join the Way of Discipleship
3. Two follow up sessions coming up very soon: One of retirement and finances and the other on death and dying.
a. see email or check our website to register