“What is the Christian view of retirement?”……As Christians approach retirement age, they often wonder what a Christian should do during the retirement years. Do Christians retire from Christian service when they retire from the workplace? How should a Christian view retirement? ……1) Although there is no biblical principle that a person should retire from his work when he reaches a certain age, there is the example of the Levites and their work in the tabernacle. In Numbers 4, the Levite males are numbered for service in the tabernacle from ages 25-50 years old, and after age 50, they were to retire from regular service. They could continue to "assist their brothers" but could not continue to work (Numbers 8:24-26).……2) Even though we may retire from our vocations (even "full-time" Christian ministry), we should never retire from serving the Lord, although the way we serve Him may change.

Titus 2:4-8 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children,5to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, 2 to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.6In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely.7And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.8Teach the truth so that your teaching can't be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us

The older men and women are to teach, by example, younger men and women how to live.

There is the example of two very old people in Luke 2:25-38(Simeon and Anna) who continued to serve the Lord faithfully. Anna was an elderly widow who ministered in the temple daily with fasting and prayer.

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon himand had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah.That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required,Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,"Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have romised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. … He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!" …

Jesus' parents were amazed at what was being said about him.Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby's mother, "This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him.As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul."

Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years.Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. 1 She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

3) One’s older years are not to be spent solely in the pursuit of pleasure. Paul says:

1 Timothy 5:6"But the widow who lives only for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she lives".

Contrary to biblical instruction, many people equate retirement with "pursuit of pleasure" if at all possible. This is not to say that retirees cannot enjoy golf, social functions, or pleasurable pursuits. But these should not be the primary focus of one's life at any age.……4) 2 Corinthians 12:14 states that:Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don't want what you have – I want you. After all, children don't provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children.

The parent ought to save up for the children. But by far the greatest thing to "save up" is one’s spiritual heritage, which can be passed on to children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Generations of descendants have been impacted by the faithful prayers of an elderly family "patriarch" or "matriarch." Prayer is perhaps the most fruitful ministry outlet for those who have retired.……The Christian never retires from Christ's service; he only changes the address of his workplace. In summary, as one reaches "retirement age" (whatever that is) the vocation may change but one's life work of serving the Lord does not change. Often it is these "senior saints" who, after a lifetime of walking with God, are able to convey the truths of God’s Word by relating how God has worked in their lives. The psalmist’s prayer should be our prayer as we age: Psalm 71:18 "Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.