Heavenly Investments

Over the next several weeks I thought I would explore how the bible looks at having purpose in your old age. This is my first blog in that series.

Heavenly Investments: Making Retirement Count for Eternity

Matthew 6:20 – “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

There was a myth about retirement that was created when Social Security was first created, and that said retirement was a time to stop working, sit on the couch and enjoy the rewards of past labor.

The Bible tells us otherwise, and that we should be thinking beyond earthbound investments. We should be investing in eternity. What are these earthly treasures that we try to accumulate more and more of?

Our own comfort, more and more possessions, status among our peers, and entertainment, partying and self-indulgence. What are the eternal treasures the Bible speaks of?

These Love, which is the greatest treasure we can give. There is also service to those around us, discipleship, legacy and acts of mercy toward others. These are the things that we should be investing our time in after we retire because they are aligned with God.

They will last for eternity and are significant to others. Retirement is not just for rest, but reinvestment in our purpose for living. Its reinvesting your time, wisdom and love in what truly matters.

You have the opportunity to make the investment without having to worry about job obligations. Where can I make investments? How about Relationships – invest in people.

This could be family, friends, your church or even younger generations. Become a teacher and mentor to all those around you. Another area could be exploring kindness and service.

How about volunteering, serving in ministries, or even going on mission trips. These are offered by many groups such as the peace corp, Doctor without borders, Rotary or church ministries.

How about sharing wisdom and mentoring. Take up teaching and share your life lessons and hard knocks you have experienced. Another area is to write stories of the past, pass on testimonies.

Show how living or not living like Christ has effected your life and how it can effect other peoples lives. Last is becoming a spiritual anchor for those around you through prayer and showing love.

If you don’t have a focused purpose you will drift and fall into idle living. Hobbies are great but they should not replace what purpose God has for you. Leisure is a gift, but that is not your life’s ultimate purpose.

You have to keep refocusing on what I am doing to store up treasure in heaven. There is no reason your greatest contribution cannot come after your career ends. Mathew 6:20 calls us to rethink eternal priorities.

It is not an ending but a opportunity to leave a legacy of love and faith. Invest in treasures that do not fade so you can hear those final words “Well done faithful servant.” Let me know what you think of these thoughts by responding to my post.

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