Let’s talk about retirement planning. No, not just the one where you spend your golden years sipping lemonade on a beach somewhere, but the ultimate retirement plan—the one that kicks in after this life. If you’re a Christian like me, you know that life doesn’t end with our final breath; it’s just a transition into our eternal retirement.
Now, we all spend decades planning for the first kind of retirement. We work hard, save up, contribute to our retirement funds, and maybe even invest in a little real estate. Why? Because we don’t want to be caught off guard when our working years come to an end. But what about our spiritual retirement fund? What about investing in an eternal future that, let’s be honest, lasts a whole lot longer than those few decades of earthly retirement?
Let’s take a fun and lighthearted (but serious) look at how we can prepare for both retirements—one that lasts a couple of decades, and the other that lasts for eternity.
Recognizing the Inevitable
When you start working, people immediately start talking about retirement. They tell you to start saving early, invest wisely, and avoid unnecessary debt. And why? Because, unless you plan on working forever (which, let’s be real, no one does), you’ll eventually have to stop punching the clock.
Similarly, our earthly lives have a deadline—literally. We don’t know when, but it’s coming. And just like we wouldn’t want to reach age 65 with no savings, we certainly don’t want to step into eternity unprepared.
So, let’s ask ourselves: If we put this much effort into securing a comfortable retirement here, shouldn’t we put even more effort into preparing for an eternity with God?
Investing Wisely
For earthly retirement, financial advisors recommend diversifying your investments. Stocks, bonds, real estate—you name it. You wouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket, right?
Well, Jesus had a thing or two to say about spiritual investments as well:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” (Matthew 6:19-20)
Translation: You can’t take your money, your cars, or your fancy house with you. The only thing you can send ahead are the things you did in obedience to God—acts of love, generosity, service, and spreading His Kingdom.
Want a solid eternal investment portfolio? Here’s a good mix:
- Stock in Generosity Inc. – Give to those in need, support ministries, and help others.
- Bonds of Forgiveness – Let go of grudges and extend grace.
- Real Estate in Heaven – Jesus said He’s preparing a place for us (John 14:2). Trust in Him and walk in faith!
Making the Right Deposits
For an earthly retirement, you make deposits into your retirement account regularly. Some days, it may seem like nothing is happening, but over time, compound interest works its magic, and suddenly you have a nice little nest egg.
The same goes for our spiritual retirement. Every prayer you pray, every act of kindness you show, every time you choose to follow God instead of your own desires—these are spiritual deposits. And just like a retirement account, they may seem small at first, but they’re growing into something much bigger.
God’s Kingdom operates on a different kind of economy—one where the smallest act of faithfulness can yield an eternal reward. So keep making those deposits.
Avoiding Spiritual Scams
Let’s be honest, the world is full of get-rich-quick schemes. People promise you instant wealth if you just invest in some sketchy venture. But smart investors know that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Well, there are spiritual scams too—things that promise joy, peace, and fulfillment but leave us empty. Chasing after money, power, fame, or the approval of others might seem like a great investment, but in the end, they offer no eternal returns. Jesus put it this way:
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36)
Oof. That’s the ultimate bad investment. Let’s be sure we’re putting our efforts into things that truly matter.
Getting a Retirement Counselor (aka The Holy Spirit)
Financial advisors help guide people toward wise investments. They keep you from making foolish mistakes and help ensure you’ll have enough when the time comes.
In the same way, God has given us the best retirement counselor ever—the Holy Spirit. He guides us, convicts us when we’re off track, and reminds us of what’s truly important. He’s like the ultimate financial planner, making sure we don’t waste our time on things that won’t matter in eternity.
So, if you’re ever wondering if you’re making good spiritual investments, just ask Him! He’s always ready to guide you.
Looking Forward to Retirement with Confidence
Here’s the thing: People who plan well for retirement don’t fear it. They look forward to it! They know they’ve done what’s needed to secure a comfortable future.
The same should be true for our eternal retirement. If we’re walking with God, investing in His Kingdom, and living in faith, we don’t have to fear death. Instead, we can look forward to hearing those words from Jesus:
“Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23)
Because at the end of the day, that’s the best retirement package anyone could ask for.
Final Thoughts
If you wouldn’t ignore your financial future, don’t ignore your eternal future. It’s great to have a strong retirement fund, but even better to have a strong faith. Work hard, save wisely, and invest in eternity.
And hey, if you’re ever unsure whether your retirement plan—earthly or eternal—is on track, don’t hesitate to seek wise counsel. For finances, that might mean a financial planner. For eternity, that means diving into God’s Word, prayer, and surrounding yourself with fellow believers who are also planning for the best retirement ever.
So, here’s to a future of relaxation, joy, and fulfillment—both in this life and the next. Amen!