Comments on: What Should a Christian Retirement Look Like?

By: Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:16:06 +0000

Exactly, Kevin. We are to use every moment we’re given to glorify God. We would be foolish to compartmentalize our lives into God/non-God categories.

I’m glad you find this post helpful. I pray it will help us all begin to approach retirement differently than the world does.

By: Kevin@OutOfYourRut

Kevin@OutOfYourRut — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:36:32 +0000

Well put! I’m no bible scholar, but I’m pretty certain the word “quit” doesn’t appear in scripture, at least as it relates to the mission of the believer. We’re on duty and on call until we draw our last breath.

This is such an instructive post for believers, helping us to avoid the way retirement is classified in the secular sense, as a time of retreat and leisure.
.-= Kevin@OutOfYourRut´s last blog ..Advantages of Business Credit Cards =-.

By: Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:19:09 +0000

Thanks for your comment, Jason!

Yes, we must be very careful about putting off God’s work for later “when we have time”. We need to take time every day to ask what He wants us to be doing now and in the future. Seeking God’s will and doing what He asks of us are vital to being a disciple of Christ.

By: Jason @ Redeeming Riches

Jason @ Redeeming Riches — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:26:33 +0000

Paul, great post! I think that if we as Christians start living missionally (which means we passionately engage culture in every facet of our lives for the sake of the kingdom and making disciples) then we can’t help but have a “christian retirement”

We’ll already be seeking His kingdom rather than building our own, but I think it’s hard when we live for our own earthly kingdoms for 30 years and expect to turn on a switch that says OK now my retirement will be about Him.

I like what Kevin said – we switch from “we” to “He”. The sooner we do that in life the better!
.-= Jason @ Redeeming Riches´s last blog ..What Is Your Credit Card Payoff? =-.

By: Recommended Reading Roundup

Recommended Reading Roundup — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:22:32 +0000

[...] What Should Christian Retirement Look Like at Provident Planning [...]

By: Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:24:48 +0000

Thanks so much for your excellent comment, Kevin. You’ve provided some great alternatives as well. Your last sentence is the key. We have to shift our thinking – to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. To glorify God, our minds must be renewed to be like Christ’s and not our own.

By: Kevin@OutOfYourRut

Kevin@OutOfYourRut — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:33:02 +0000

Paul, this is great the way you’ve layed out not only the considerations, but also the alternatives. (so many posts tell us what we shouldn’t do, especially when said posts are faith based!–but lets just keep that between us…)

Changing our view of certain aspects of “retirement” might help us to redirect. For example, think of entertainment as spending more time with more people, but not necessarily spending money to have fun with other people. I kind of think just spending time with people is fun in itself, even if you don’t do anything special. In fact the less you do, the more you relate and bond as people, and the greater the chance to witness.

Similar with housing–kids are gone, you live in a big house all by yourself; what about opening up your house as a resource to people? Taking in a foreign refugee, providing a warm, safe place for a pregnant teen who’s been disowned by her family, or even offering a place for a homeless person to start a new life.

We can always redirect time and assets for Kingdom use, but we have to change our thinking from “we” to “He” first.
.-= Kevin@OutOfYourRut´s last blog ..Why It Might Be Better to OWE on Your State Income Tax Return =-.

By: Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:25:30 +0000

Wow, that’s the most comments I’ve received at once!

@Craig: Thanks! It means a lot to hear you enjoyed the series. I would phrase your question another way: “How does God want to use us in retirement?” Thank you for your prayer. It is mine as well.

@Donna: I’m glad this article helped you see some of the alternatives. We just have to remember that when we seek God’s Kingdom first, He’ll provide what we need to do His will. I continue to pray for you.

@Joe: Thanks so much for the encouragement! I wondered what people would think about my comments on health care. I’ve gotten some strange looks at church when I’ve talked about that.

By: Joe Plemon

Joe Plemon — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:38:00 +0000

Paul,
Another well thought out post! I like the way you balance the world’s take on retirement with the overlaying theme for Christians of serving God. Everything we do must be filtered through how we serve Him…including our retirements.
Your thoughts on insurance and health care were things that need to be said but no one ever does. Thanks for doing so.
.-= Joe Plemon´s last blog ..Reverse Mortgages Part Three: What are the Disadvantages? =-.

By: Donna

Donna — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:57:08 +0000

I had just read Craig Ford’s blog this morning on money and now your blog on retirement. Turning 55 this year and suffering from chronic illness, retirement is looming. But with that are worries. Thanks for your perspective on retirement, you have me thinking about the alternatives to the “normal” retirement activities.