Retirement

Last week, a friend of mine told me a story about an entrepreneur who was highly successful in his business.  The man had made good use of some land he owned and was blessed with significant wealth.  In light of the success of the business, he made the decision to retire early.  He could finally build his dream house and was looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the fruits of his labors.  If I’m being honest, I thought that all sounded pretty good and I was a little jealous.  He was able to realize the American Dream of working hard, accumulating some wealth, and in a position to stop working and enjoy life on his terms.

 

Luke 12:34 - Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

 

Things to think about:

·       The friend who was telling me this story is a guy named Jesus.  The story is found in Luke 12:13-21 and is generally known as the Parable of the Rich Fool.

·       Not only did the man’s retirement plans not pan out the way he envisioned, but God said, “You fool!  You will die this very night.  Then, who will get everything you worked for?”

o   We’re not guaranteed another minute on this Earth

·       My friend then told me, “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

·       What mistakes did the rich fool make?

o   Greedy - He sought to hoard rather than share

o   Ungrateful - He didn’t see God as the source of his provision and wasn’t thankful to God for the blessing

o   Hedonistic - He wanted to spend the rest of his life pleasing himself instead of serving God and others

·       Jesus goes on in verses 22-34 to say that God knows what we need, and He will provide for those needs.

o   Luke 12:29-31 - “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”

·       Jesus went on to tell me that rather than hoarding, I should be looking to get rid of some stuff and share the proceeds with people who could really use some help.  He said that the investments I should be making are in things that last for eternity.

o   “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

·       What do you think about my friend’s advice?

o   How does this challenge your beliefs about wealth and retirement?