#83 Retired. Living for Christ

Introduction

To be retired in the earthly realm in its truest sense means to cast off the fears and worries of this world; to know that you have complete freedom. That freedom though and that hope that many have in a future of security is often an illusion. It is noteworthy that most Americans are not and will not be prepared for retirement. 

Now here is the thing, we are not citizens of this world but the next! As true christians our hope for the future should be set in Christ for there is no truer foundation. In Philippians 3:20 “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Do you see what this means? It means that we are free to live our lives, starting today with the security of knowing that our ‘retirement’ is to be found in the kingdom of heaven. 

Practically speaking, what does this mean?

Do Not Be Anxious About Tomorrow

If we live our lives knowing that we are retired from our earthly toils then all anxiety should melt away. It means we trust God’s provision for our daily needs. We don’t worry about tomorrow either. As it says in Matthew 6:34 “so do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). 

Focus on Things of God

If we live our lives in the security of our salvation then our focus should be on the things surrounding that fact. Colossians 3:2 says to “set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2). This means we must daily set up our minds to follow Christ.

Freedom to Serve God Fully

When we live with this eternal perspective it frees our minds and liberates us to serve God unburdened about earthly worries. As Paul says, “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Our Lives

Now looking over our lives we may recognize that our calling is to serve God with our whole lives. It is not about us anymore but rather what Christ has already done for us, and what he will do through us.