Are you primed for a happy retirement? Just a minute. I’m pretty sure God doesn’t want you to ride off into the sunset and have a happy retirement.
I know. You can’t believe I’m saying this. But I believe it’s true. Keep reading. Give me a second to defend my position.
To have an intelligent debate, the terms must be clearly defined. Perhaps disagreement over the title of this article will dissolve as soon as we agree on the definition of “happy retirement”.
In this article, when I talk about happy retirement, I’m referring to the popular view of retirement. I’ve read plenty about how people picture the Golden Years. Ask anyone in the 55-65 age bracket what they think retirement will be like and you will hear things like:
- I will get to go fishing whenever I want.
- Finally I can do some traveling.
- At last, no one can tell me what to do.
- It’s time to focus on what I want.
- This is my time.
- I’m going to spend my kids’ inheritance.
I’m not against any of these things. If you can afford to spend three months in Italy or even live on a cruise ship, I’m happy for you. If you indulge in a few pleasures, such as sleeping every morning until 9:00, no problem. But here’s my point: the common view is that a happy retirement focuses only on the retiree. In this view, the center of the universe becomes the one who wakes up in the morning after the last day of work. But I never see that in the Bible.
What I DO see in the Bible is that life is NEVER all about you. We are taught that the center of the universe is God and only God.
Think about it. Sin happens when we focus on ourselves. By being self-focused we force God out of the equation; or at least to a subordinate position. We start to make decisions based on our own desires, forgetting to consider what God might want.
A happy retirement, as viewed in our culture, doesn’t please God because it is self-centered. And if it doesn’t please God, why would we embrace the concept?
If you think I’ve lost my mind, I challenge you to find anyplace in the Bible which encourages people to adopt a mindset where life is all about the individual. If you really scour the bible looking for evidence to bolster that position, you will see many examples that argue against it.
Think of all the biblical people who refused to focus on having a happy retirement and kept on making a difference in their world long after retirement age:
- Moses was 80 when he stood before Pharaoh and demanded the Israelites be set free.
- Joshua was around the same age when he led the Israelites to conquer the Promised Land.
- Daniel was over 80 when he took a stand and was thrown into the lions den.
- The Apostle Paul was an old man when he was doing missionary work and starting churches.
And when you retire you want to play golf every day and make yourself the center of the universe?
The Bible tells us:
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green…” (Ps. 92:12-14)
God isn’t too interested in you growing old and becoming self-absorbed in a happy retirement. Instead, God wants you and I to head into our retirement years ready to make a difference in our world. He wants you to have a productive retirement.
Go.
Make a difference in your world.
People need you to step up your game.
Don’t retire. ReFIRE your life. If this idea interest you, please check out THIS article for more information.
So am I crazy or am I on to something?
Every one pass 60 should start a ‘wisdom business’
You have it
This world needs it
And where does wisdom come from
God
For His glory
Amen
Wow. You said it so well. I agree!
You make good points, Randy. However, sometimes it seems that you are assuming all Boomer Generation Americans fall into the totally self-centered retirement category. I don’t believe this. I rarely, if ever, see you talking about the many, many millions of dollars our generation donates financially to charitable organizations and church work, nor do you talk of the many millions of man/hours given in service to charitable organizations, churches, homeless shelters, hospital and nursing home volunteer work, mentoring, and teacher’s aid work. No doubt, there are a good many who try the whole “make myself happy” thing. But I have also read about a lot of folks who have discovered the truths that you speak of, make course corrections, and go on in productive retirement of some kind.
Hi Tim. I DON’T disagree with you. I think Boomers are a terrific generation who have made a positive impact. But I’m trying to speak to those, however many there might be, who view retirement as I’ve described in the article. Perhaps, in all honesty, I often write to keep myself from falling into the trap of self-absorption! Thanks for your comments.
Randy, that’s perfect! I especially like this: “Perhaps, in all honesty, I often write to keep myself from falling into the trap of self-absorption.” Is it not true that we often gravitate to areas of work, play … life! to help deal with our own issues and shortcomings? I think so. Lovely reply. And article!
I guess it depends on what kind of God you have.
I’m certain you are right. Thanks for reminding me that there are differing perspectives on the issue.
Hi Randy. I’ve been officially retired for 4 years, but until recently I worked 1 or 2 days a week at my old job and spent other days on hobbies of dog training, masters track and field training (running 3x a week), tutoring a woman (ESL) for her GED….busy, busy. Now I have stopped working completely and both my grown sons and wives (no grandchildren yet) have moved to the opposite coast (USA). In addition my husband has become sedentary, while I am still active and want to find new things to try. I’m not particularly religious, though I try to stay open to things coming my way, to perhaps receiving messages from the spirit that binds us. Staying busy is okay, but I do feel kind of unfulfilled and disappointed my husband and I aren’t on the same page.
Sounds like you are going through a lot of adjustment. I’m wondering if you pulled back from “busy, busy” on your own or if you felt pressured? I’m sorry you and your husband aren’t on the same page. Perhaps your great challenge is to work together to find middle ground. Here’s hoping you can help him to find an activity or hobby which you too can enjoy.