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In 1881 Chancellor Bismarck of Germany had a brilliant idea – people should be able to retire from their work at the age of 70.  They could receive care from the state because due to their invalidity to work (due to age and or disability) they could now be free from this heavy obligation.  The law was passed in 1889.  This was the first pension system in the world, and the USA modelled theirs after this, except that the age was 65, not 70. 

It all sounds good in principle, however back in 1889, most people didn’t live much longer than about 70 years of age.  Today however, the average life expectancy is close to 82, and about 1 in every 200 people reach 100.  This means that whereas in Bismarck’s time most “pensioners” were infirm and about to die, and not capable of much work, today most “pensioners” are very capapble of doing a large variety of things. 

Imagine that everyone worked until they died and this was normal.  Then imagine some kind hearted statesman suggested that all people aged 90 years and older should be cared for by the government - we would all applaud and think it was a great social idea – even the Bible talks about care of the elderly. 

However due to health and technology - today’s 70 is not the 70 of 100 years ago.  My own grandparents are both 80 and they are “fit as a fiddle” and very involved in their local church and community. 

So… what to do with retirement?

Whilst most people might “retire” from their careers - there is an unique opportunity for these people to serve others, volunteer and do a variety of tasks with their time and make the world a better place. 

An even better opportunity exists for those not retire yet (like myself) who have 30 to 35 more years to plan my retirement.  Now I also have the privelege of planning not only to retire – but how to give and serve others in my retirement to strengthen the work of God. 

In other words – until we are with Jesus we never really retire.  Our true retirement is with the Lord – and our superannuation, 401K, retirement fund, pension etc – that’s when it really kicks in. 

And if you love the Lord and have lived for him, as we are all called to do, then what a wonderful retirement awaits.