Recently, we debunked several retirement lies. There’s many more, but we covered the most important ones. Lies come from the enemy because he is the father of lies (John 8:44). Furthermore, there are motives behind every lie – to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). So, why are there so many lies focused on retirees?
1. Prevention of your fullness
The opposite of a lie is truth and the result of living in truth is having life to the fullest (John 10:10). You must understand a calculated and intentional attack exists to prevent you from walking into your fullness. As we have mentioned time and time again, retirement can be the most impactful season of your life. Your adversary knows this and will do what he can to sidetrack you.
1 Timothy 6:19 reads, “ In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
2. Breakdown of your family
1 Peter 5: 1-4 says, “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
The enemy knows you have a critical role in your family. In retirement, your calling is to shepherd, watch-over and serve. Remember, you have significant life experience and wisdom – and the next generations need you to steward that wisdom well. This is a God-ordained design of family structure. When elders don’t engage in this design, the family suffers. They miss out on opportunities to grow, gain wisdom, see advances in their faith and gain respect for authority.
3. Breakdown of the society
Family is a microcosm of society. If a society begins to breakdown, chances are it started with a breakdown of the family. Unfortunately, we’re seeing this happening in real-time. The Bible explains the consequences to a society when this breakdown occurs.
Isaiah 3: 4-5 says, “I will make mere youths their officials; children will rule over them. People will oppress each other— man against man, neighbor against neighbor. The young will rise up against the old, the nobody against the honored.”
I believe the devaluing of retirees in society today is a direct result of this breakdown in family order. Retirees, you are the lynchpin for family structure. You are the patriarchs of our society. Reestablish the authority you’ve been given and steward it well.
Want more?
Listen to the full episode of Retire Repurposed here:
Jerrid Sebesta
Co-Founder of Retire Repurposed
