“Retirement is a short-sighted goal.”

A thought by Rick Warren, (2012-10-23) from his book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (p. 154). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Retired

Now if you believe that this is all there is to life that it ends when you die then that doesn't make sense but as a Christ follower I understand and agree with it.

1 Peter 1: 4 (NLT) says, “God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.”

As Rick says, “This eternal inheritance, not retirement, is what you should be looking forward to and working for.” Paul wrote in Colossians 3: 23 – 24a (NIV) in the Bible, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”

That’s why Rick says, “Retirement is a short-sighted goal. You should be living in light of eternity.”

Rick shares what that inheritance is, “First, we will get to be with God forever (1 Thessalonians 5: 10; 4: 17). Second, we will be completely changed to be like Christ (1 John 3: 2; 2 Corinthians 3: 18). Third, we will be freed from all pain, death, and suffering (Revelation 21: 4). Fourth, we will be rewarded and reassigned positions of service (Mark 9: 41; 10: 30; 1 Corinthians 3: 8; Hebrews 10: 35; Matthew 25: 21, 23). Fifth, we will get to share in Christ’s glory (Romans 8: 17; Colossians 3: 4; 2 Thessalonians 2: 14; 2 Timothy 2: 12; 1 Peter 5: 1). What an inheritance! You are far richer than you realize.”

That is what I am working for. I know if you are young you are not thinking that far ahead. I’m sure that retirement is just a speck on your future outlook but I’m sure there is some future goal in there. And retirement is not the ultimate goal, your eternal inheritance is. And today is a good place to start the process. It starts with asking Jesus to come into your life.

So why not ask Him today?

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