Craig Clouston

 Retirement Fund

Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.

Matthew 6:32, 33 (kjv)

Sheldon had taken a job at his local Walmart. What made him different from other employees was that Sheldon was seventy-two.

A little over a year before, Lois, his wife, had become ill. Their insurance and savings had been depleted, and they were faced with mounting medical bills. Their providers didn’t care that Medicare only paid usual and customary charges; they expected complete payment. So with no other options available, Sheldon was forced out of retirement and back into the workforce. God had led him to apply for this position, and his employer had seen the advantages of hiring someone with Sheldon’s experience and disposition.

He never missed a day of work, ascribing to the theory that God had given him this assignment, and he intended to carry it out to the best of his ability. Day after day, Sheldon greeted shoppers with a smile and words of encouragement. He became so popular and well liked that people brought cards of thanks for his bright attitude and goodwill for Lois.

For six years, Sheldon worked and brightened lives, two full years after the medical bills were paid. He had always found fulfillment working for the Lord, and this assignment had provided so many lasting friendships and memories that he’d had a difficult time entering retirement once again.

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Sheldon’s situation isn’t all that uncommon. Many grandparents are raising their grandchildren while their children make a living. Many seniors work until they die, relishing their usefulness.

Retirement is a scheme Satan uses, keeping us busy building a nest egg large enough to retire comfortably. In the work, we can lose sight of God’s will.

Scripture does not include the word or notion of retirement. Conversely, Jesus said not to worry about how we will be clothed or fed during our lifetime, our entire lifetime.

We are to seek the kingdom and God’s righteousness; and in the seeking, we will learn to trust in His retirement fund.

Prayer

“Give me faith to live by and the knowledge of how I am to serve You until I die, Lord. Then help me go about doing the work You give me to do. Amen.”