Most people look forward to retirement in their later life. It’s a rewarding feeling when the fruit of your labor becomes apparent, and retirement is within reach. However, as Christians, we want to continue God’s work, even if it is not through our vocation. We can give back to family, the church, or the community, but what should our retirement really look like as a believer?
The Bible guides us through all stages of life, including retirement. In this article, we’ll discuss determining the Lord’s wisdom and how to steward your money well as you move toward the next stage of your life.
What the Bible Says About Saving vs. Giving to Those in Need
The Bible tells us that the love of money is the root of all evil and that we should not ”lay up for yourselves treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19- 20). These warnings might sound like a condemnation of saving and spending for pleasure altogether, but this is not the case.
Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (ESV). Here, we see that diligently saving and using our money wisely will lead to abundance for ourselves, our families, and our community. Saving for retirement and enjoying that abundance is not wrong. It is greed – the want for money that overrides our motives for kindness and generosity – that goes against God’s plan for us.
Saving for retirement ensures that your family is provided for and honors God’s plan for us. Experiences in retirement, such as travel and quality family time, are a gift from God that should be cherished. Your retirement savings can also allow greater time to serve within the community. Saving for retirement is a way to steward our money for furthering God’s kingdom, as long as it is managed in a way that serves the Lord’s purpose for us.
Investing in a Way That Honors God
Many Christians also have questions about the ethics of investing. For many people, investing involves simply hedging your bets to gain the most significant financial outcome. However, at OneAscent, we hold a higher view of investing and believe that it can serve a greater purpose in the Christian life.
When we invest, we are choosing to support the development of products and technologies that affect our world. Therefore, we have a choice. We can choose to invest in whichever companies are most profitable, regardless of what they produce or how they affect the world – or we can choose to invest in the greater good of our communities.
Most investors choose the first route, but this can lead to damaging effects on our society. Investors who choose a values-based route have the opportunity to make the world a better place through smart investments. By investing in companies that align with your values, you can save for your retirement while contributing to human flourishing, allowing others to fulfill their purpose in God’s Kingdom.
How To Make The Most of Your Retirement
At OneAscent, we help you make the most of every stage of your life with retirement and estate planning, values-based investing options, and tailored financial plans. We want to help you retire to a greater purpose, rather than simply retiring from your current vocation. By choosing how you spend your time and where you invest your resources, the legacy you leave behind will be one that honors God.
If you’re interested in a values-based retirement and investment plan, contact OneAscent for more information.