does the Bible say I shouldn’t save for retirement?

Should Christians Save for Retirement?

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I spend a lot of time talking with fellow Christians—business owners and kingdom-minded individuals—about money, stewardship, and how we use the resources God has entrusted to us. One topic that often stirs debate is the question of saving for retirement. Many of us feel a tension: Is planning for retirement wise, or does it reflect a lack of trust in God? If Jesus never explicitly told us to save for our future years, does that mean we shouldn't?

Wrestling with Misconceptions

For younger Christians, like myself, the question of saving for retirement can feel like a moral conundrum. The rationale often goes something like this: "Wouldn’t saving up a significant sum resemble the rich man in Luke 12 who, after a bountiful harvest, decided to build larger barns to store his surplus? Jesus called him a fool for his self-reliance and material focus—none of us want that label." This interpretation breeds the belief that saving is inherently selfish or faithless.

Adding to the complexity, there are common fallback plans: "I'll just sell my business and live off that," or "I enjoy working, so I'll keep going until I can’t." Yet, these ideas, while appealing, have inherent flaws. Life doesn't always unfold according to our best-laid plans. Businesses may not sell as expected, and health can falter, making the intention to work indefinitely unrealistic.

At the heart of these reservations is a fear: either of disobedience or of acting out of sync with God’s will. It’s essential, however, to present a counterpoint—one grounded not in fear, but in the wisdom and peace found in the kind of love that casts out fear.

Rethinking Retirement: More Than Luxury

First, let’s redefine "retirement." For many, the concept conjures images of a carefree life on a beach, sipping drinks and living in endless leisure. But this modern depiction is not only unrealistic for most; it also misses the point. For most people, retirement isn’t about luxury; it’s about transitioning to a season where work becomes impractical or impossible. It’s about maintaining a life that involves chores, family time, volunteering, and perhaps hobbies like woodworking or community service. It’s about stewarding the life God has given us responsibly, not indulgently.

With that in mind, should we prepare for this phase? As kingdom-minded believers, our challenge is to plan for the future while staying invested in the present. It’s about contributing to an IRA this month and giving to the church’s mission fund simultaneously. This balance reflects true stewardship.

Learning from Joseph: Wisdom in Preparation

To bring biblical perspective to this question, consider the story of Joseph in Genesis 41. God, through Pharaoh’s dream, showed Joseph that seven years of abundance would be followed by seven years of severe famine. Joseph’s leadership led to grain being stored during the plentiful years, ensuring survival during the lean ones. No one looks back on this story and criticizes Joseph for lacking faith; in fact, it was God who guided him to take action.

So, if you were to know that a time of difficulty lay ahead—an inevitable season where earning would be challenging—would it be wise or foolish to save during the good years? The answer seems clear. The wisdom in Joseph’s story and its relevance for our approach to financial planning is profound. Preparation isn’t about hoarding; it’s about obeying God’s call to steward what we have prudently.

The Balance Between Faith and Stewardship

Of course, there’s tension in the balance. Proverbs 6:6-11 draws attention to the ant, a tiny creature that stores up food in the summer to survive the winter. This passage praises diligence and preparation, contrasting it with laziness. Similarly, wise financial planning doesn’t negate trust in God; it’s a manifestation of that trust. It acknowledges the natural cycles of work and rest, youth and age, and the practical reality of human life.

My pastor once said, "Don’t give your rent money to the church, or you’ll end up asking the church for help with rent." This highlights an essential truth: generosity without prudence can lead to dependency. On a larger scale, if you give away your retirement savings without preparing for your own future needs, you may find yourself relying on others or the church during old age—a scenario that wise stewardship could prevent.

Preparing Without Selfishness

Stewardship isn’t about selfishly amassing wealth. It’s about recognizing future responsibilities and planning accordingly. It’s also about positioning oneself to be generous at all stages of life. Thoughtful saving can mean having the ability to contribute meaningfully in retirement, continuing to support church initiatives, and aiding others without being a financial burden.

Jesus’ teachings, the stories of biblical figures, and the wisdom literature all point to a harmonious view: God calls us to trust Him while also using the intelligence and resources He has given us to make wise decisions. Planning for retirement isn’t an act of distrust; it’s an act of stewardship.

Conclusion: Don’t lean on your own understanding (or mine).

This is a deeply personal decision, one that each person should consider prayerfully. Reflect on these Bible stories, seek God’s guidance, spend time in His presence, and embrace a plan that balances present generosity with future preparedness. Stewardship is not just wise; it’s what we are called to.