Retirement

Retirement

What does the Bible say about retirement?

God’s Response

The LORD also instructed Moses, “This is the rule the Levites must follow: They must begin serving in the Tabernacle at the age of twenty-five, and they must retire at the age of fifty. After retirement they may assist their fellow Levites by performing guard duty at the Tabernacle, but they may not officiate in the service.” Numbers 8:23-26

As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16

We should not assume that fifty is the age the Bible suggests for all workers to retire! This is one of the few references to retirement in the Bible. Possibly this was done to encourage the younger Levites to grow into positions of responsibility. Nowhere does the Bible say that retirement means stopping work and service altogether; rather, it brings a change in how we work and serve. There are few things more important than developing strong leaders in the church. At times, older leaders must shift from leading to mentoring new leaders for the future strength of the church.

God’s Challenge

Among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. Mark 10:43-44