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Answer
As Christians approach retirement age, they often ponder what a Christian should do during the retirement years. Do Christians cease Christian service when they retire from the workplace? How should a Christian perceive retirement?
1) While there is no biblical principle mandating that a person should retire from their work upon reaching a certain age, there is the precedent of the Levites and their service in the tabernacle. In Numbers 4, the Levite males are counted for tabernacle service from ages 25-50, and after turning 50, they were to step back from regular duties. They could still “assist their brothers” but were not to continue working (Numbers 8:24-26).
2) Even if we retire from our professions (including “full-time” Christian ministry), we should never retire from serving the Lord, although the manner of our service may evolve. The example of two elderly individuals in Luke 2:25-38 (Simeon and Anna) illustrates this point, as they continued to faithfully serve the Lord. Anna, an aged widow, dedicated herself to daily ministry in the temple through fasting and prayer. Titus 2 emphasizes that older men and women are to instruct younger individuals through their conduct.
3) One’s later years should not be solely dedicated to seeking pleasure. Paul mentions that a widow who lives for pleasure is spiritually dead «But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. », (1 Timothy 5:6). Despite biblical guidance, many individuals associate retirement with the pursuit of pleasure above all else. This is not to suggest that retirees cannot enjoy activities like golf, social gatherings, or leisurely pursuits. However, these should not be the central focus of one’s life at any stage.
4) Second Corinthians 12:14 emphasizes that parents should save for their children, not the other way around.Children. However, the most significant thing to “save up” is one’s spiritual legacy, which can be handed down to children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Numerous generations have been influenced by the devoted prayers of an elderly family “patriarch” or “matriarch.” Prayer is arguably the most productive ministry avenue for those who have retired.
A Christian never retires from Christ’s service; they simply change the location of their workplace. In essence, as one approaches “retirement age” (whatever that may be), the occupation may change, but the lifelong commitment to serving the Lord remains constant. Frequently, it is these “senior saints” who, following a lifetime of walking with God, can impart the truths of God’s Word by sharing how God has acted in their lives. The psalmist’s prayer should be our prayer as we grow older: “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come” «Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; Until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. », (Psalm 71:18).
