When Christians Retire

by David Gibson

In our Wednesday adult class some time ago, we discussed what can happen when someone, upon retirement, becomes depressed because they lose the familiar camaraderie of the workplace.

Healthy relationships at work are a real blessing. Yes, we will miss those coffee breaks and the lunchtime banter. But faithful Christians, whose primary peer group has always been their church family, should be able to adjust more easily when retirement comes. When our career ends, our spiritual family is still there.

Years ago, a remarkable article appeared in a brotherhood publication about some older men in a large congregation, some of whom were not adjusting well to their new status as retirees and were feeling depressed. But then they organized themselves as “The Old Codgers Club” and began working together once a week, doing service projects for those who needed help at home with tasks they could no longer do themselves. As a result, these retirees’ spirits were lifted not only by making a positive difference for those in need but also by their positive interaction with one another.

Too many Christians, however, are fringe members and have never cultivated those blessed ties “that bind our hearts in Christian love.” Lacking this, they forfeit the wonderful dynamics of being “one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” and of being “devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Romans 12:5, 10).

Priscilla and her husband Aquila, along with Paul, had much in common. They were all tentmakers (Acts 18:1-3), yet their occupation was not their most important commonality. For them, the cause of Christ was top priority, as it should be for all of us.

I read about a man who said, “I’m a Christian by profession; I work as an electrician to pay expenses.” Because he understood what so many do not, his life would be all the richer for it. And retirement would be an opportunity to do even more for the kingdom.