Poster Archive : FEBRUARY 2008
Message: So, what's your post-retirement plan?
Bible Verse: Proverbs 27:24 ...for riches do not endure forever
Australians lead the world in preparing for the future. With compulsory superannuation, just about all of us have money put aside for our retirement. In fact, between us all, we've put over $2 trillion dollars into super funds for our retirement; more per person than any other country.
And unlike our grandparents, we can expect to live for many years after retirement. According to the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare, the average 65-year-old man can expect to live another 18 years, the average woman another 21 years. So of course it makes sense to take time and make a plan for retirement - working out where you want to live, what hobbies you'll take up, and whether you'll have enough money to pull it off.
But if it's intelligent to plan for retirement, then surely it makes sense to make post-retirement plans. After all, eternity is a long time. And to make sure we've got the point, the Bible makes things very clear. It reminds us that in this life: 'Riches do not endure forever' and that in the next: "Man is appointed to die once, and then face judgment."
Some might say: "Who knows what happens after we die? Let's just focus on this life." So they plan for a great retirement of travel, golf, even university study. And think nothing about what comes after.
Jesus told a story about a man who had just this mentality about retirement. The wealthy man was a farmer who enjoyed astonishingly profitable harvests. His obsession was to store up his wealth so he could have future prosperity. At the height of his wealth God spoke to him. "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who'll get what you've prepared for yourself?"
If you've been putting money aside each month for your superannuation, that's a good thing - keep at it. But don't let it distract you from ensuring you have an even richer post-retirement. That's much more important. To do that, make contact, not with your financial advisor, but with God himself.
Prayer: Dear God, please look after me in my life after death. I ask that you accept Jesus' payment on the cross to cancel my spiritual debts to you, and live a life of hope in the real riches of heaven. AMEN