Does the Bible endorse retirement?

I have never seen an endorsement.
I do not believe it prohibits such but I think general principle is to work until we are not able to.
The only thing I would say is that I see more of a concept of working as long as there is ability in the Bible and working until a certain age in our society.

The bottom line is that is between each man and GOd though as far as I can see.
I wouldn't want to interfere with someone else's decision.

 

I'd think a case could be made for families taking care of the elderly that can't do for themselves. Paul mentions the church is to care for widows that have noone to care for them.

It is my understanding that retirement is more of a modern fantasy/reality. When I was young I didn't look to make it to sixty so retirement was never on my screen :laugh: Now here I is and I is.

Taking responsibility for yourself is another principle I'd think is Biblical so in our long livin days it should be in our thinking.

Workin till ya drop is the philosophy of many and seems to work better than retiring and sitting on the porch till ya bore yourself to death - literally. Those that continue to work or stay active seem to have much longer lives - just a general observation.

Romans 13 tells us to be under the government we are placed under and Social services are part of that government - we've paid taxes for years ....

Should be an interesting thread :applause:

 

One thing to not forget is the man who became wealthy and prosperous and decided if his barns couldn't hold all his crop production he would just build bigger ones, then he'd take it easy and have 'wine, women, and song.' While getting rich and living a life of fun and leisure is not the classical, per se, image of retirement, it's getting closer to that. There are now complete cities that are retirement communities, and to become a resident one has to be of a minimum age (50 or 55), and the street and parking lots are made to accomodate golf car traffic. Admittedly, I have thought about maybe living in such a place in another 10 or more years. But biblically, it does seem too much like that man in the parable... get away from kids, and young adults raising them, play golf in the daylight and bingo at night, with a few parties and dances thrown in, riding a golf car to the grocery store or Starbucks for Seniors... I think if I actually do take up a life like that I would expect any day to hear God's voice, "You fool!..............."

 

It also gives the duty of the government in Romas 13. Providing for the elderly is not one of them.
If you or anyone else recieves Social Security, that is fine, I don't care. You did pay into it.
BUt it is something that I believe my generation should work to end, not mend.
I'll probably never see a dime that I pay into it.

 

Retirement where I work is 55, less than a year. It is too young to stop working for me, so I will start something else. I dont think you ever retire from serving God. And golf is the last thing I want to do.

 

Or it could be your mission field...

Like I want Hawaii, to be mine!

 

" If you or anyone else recieves Social Security, that is fine, I don't care."

And millions thank you for your blessing. :laugh:

Do you have a Biblical reasoning against Social Security?

 

Then you should golf every day. You never know when it will be the last thing you do.

 

Not sure if there is a positive precept about it, though principles could be taken from Scripture and applied I think.

One thing I do know, my wife endorses it. :laugh:

 

The Bible neither endorses nor condemns retirement.

 

YOu have got to explain the quote in you sig. lol What does it mean? And who are the Quitoes..tees....kee-o-tees?!

 

Don Quixote, the man of La Mancha, was a fictional character in a book of the same title by Cervantes. It is a satirical look at life and in it, Quixote along with his faithful sidekick Pancho Villa set out a quest to rid the world of evil. At one stage Quixote fights with windmills thinking they are giants.

So much that happens on boards like this is not fighting real giants, but is nothing more than touting at windmills. At least Quixote had real windmills, far too often men are fighting with windmills of their own imagination.

 

I don't think stepping down as Pastor is the same as "retiring" from God's service. There are classes, evangelism and much more work to be done. I know God prefers us to wear out than to rust out. I also feel the Church should support him if possible. It is merely reaping the fruits of his labor which is supported by scripture.

There becomes a time when a Pastor is no longer effective or can't keep the pace required by the position. Not just old age can put us in this category. I am soon to be 45 and know the body does leak as it ages. I also think God will speak to his heart and will prepare all for the transition.

Some Churches are so built around one man that retirement would only cause confusion and struggles within the fold. I know of one here where the Church is empty when the Pastor is out of town. I question of they worship the Lord or the Pastor?

Dr. Kennedy moved from labor to reward and I don’t question him keeping his hands on the wheel until the Lord called him home. That’s between him and God.

 

Before retirment can be discussed thoroughly, we need to define what "work" is. Is it physical labor...desk job...providing for your family, etc.?

I am in the process, God willing, on doing a huge deal that may be able to take care of my family without my wife or I "working" per se in the future by living off of passive income. Does one continue to work even when not needed? Wouldn't that be greed?

 

I believe the Bible gives a specific role to government. Redistribution of wealth and retirement are not there.

God, in the Bible delegates authority to different people and institutions.
It is the children's job to take care of their parents when they are older.

From a practical standpoint, I doubt I will ever see a dime that I put into it

 

I do not think it does. I think it is an American thing.

 

Bump. I'm still waiting on an answer to this as to what others would suggest.

 

"I believe the Bible gives a specific role to government."

Where is that and what is the specific role of government?

"Redistribution of wealth...."

Don't think anyone has intimated this though that is kind of what America is all about :tear: We used to call it communism.

"It is the children's job to take care of their parents when they are older."

:thumbs:

 

Webdog,

Real quick - it is not greedy to make money. It is greedy to make money for wrong and selfish reasons, though. If God so blesses you with wealth, you should use that wealth for his glory and for others. I would rather see you working and using that income to help the church and others, than to go retire and play golf all day long. The latter would be greedy, while the former (making more money and giving to others) would not.