What is a Christian perspective on retirement?

what does the bible say?

The short answer is that the Bible doesn't mention retirement. Age and infirmity could limit work opportunities, but there is nothing in Scripture that indicates a person should work a certain amount of years, save money, and suddenly stop working, enjoying a life of leisure. Retirement, as we know it today, emerged during the last 150 years as a response to industrialization and economic pressures, with older workers pushed out of machine-based jobs and younger ones prioritized. In the United States, social security and cultural messaging reframed retirement as a well-earned leisure period, but this concept did not exist during biblical times. In biblical times the aging/working process more closely resembled the pre-retirement agrarian culture of earlier America. People performed the jobs they could (largely agricultural) and moved on to something less strenuous when they were physically unable—or had enough sons and servants that they didn't have to do the hardest physical labor. An elder was respected for his wisdom and guidance, not given a pension and told to get out of the way. Ultimately we must remember that whether working or retired, we can honor God with our lives. Retirement can provide new opportunities to glorify Him and can be a season of spiritual growth as God continues to shape and use us. Our work for the Lord is never finished, and we are never too old to serve others or be transformed by Him. We can dedicate every season of life to advancing God’s kingdom and drawing closer to Him.

from the old testament

In Numbers 8:24–26, Levites older than fifty were officially retired from the strenuous work of caring for the temple and given the position of aiding the younger Levites.

from the new testament

In 1 Timothy 5:1–2, Paul gives Timothy an overall idea of aging. Younger men and women should be like siblings; older men and women should be like parents. Timothy was to respect his elders and gain wisdom from them, inferring that the older the person, the more they would take on a mentorship role.A woman older than sixty could receive a pension of sorts from the church, but only if she had no family to support her and she was known to be godly (1 Timothy 5:3–16). Anna (Luke 2:36–38) emulated this spirit as she continued to serve God in her older years.Though his age is not given, many believe Simeon was advanced in years (Luke 2:25–34). He was “righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (Luke 2:25). Prompted by the Spirit, he came to the temple when Jesus was presented there as an infant. Though likely elderly, he was certainly actively engaged in faith.

implications for today

The Bible encourages us to use every stage of life to serve God and others, and retirement offers unique opportunities for practical ministry. Instead of seeing retirement as a time of inactivity, we can view it as a season to mentor younger generations, volunteer in our church or community, and invest in relationships with family and friends. We might serve by teaching a Bible study, supporting missions, or helping with practical needs in our neighborhood, such as providing meals or childcare. Retirement can also allow us to use our skills and experiences in ways that align with God’s purposes, such as consulting, coaching, or offering free services to those in need. While rest is important, retirement is a chance to reframe our focus and dedicate our time and energy to glorifying God in ways that might not have been possible during our working years. Our work for God is never finished. Our ultimate purpose goes beyond working. We are never too old to serve God and each other.

We are also never too old for God to work in and grow us. His transformative power knows no limits, including age. Throughout Scripture, God has used individuals in their later years to accomplish incredible things—Moses was eighty when he led the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 7:7), and Abraham became a father to Isaac at one hundred (Genesis 21:5), fulfilling a promise that shaped history. Similarly, no matter our stage of life, God continues to refine our character, deepen our understanding of His Word, and teach us new ways to trust and follow Him. Challenges that come with aging, such as health struggles or changes in life circumstances, are often opportunities for God to strengthen our faith and reliance on Him. Until our final breath, we remain His workmanship, created for good works that He has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10), and we can trust that He will continue to mold us into His likeness for His glory (Romans 8:29–30).