Many Christians feel a tension when they think about retirement savings. On one hand, Scripture praises planning ahead. On the other, Jesus warns against storing up treasures on earth. So which is it?
The honest answer is that the Bible speaks to both, and holding them together is the key.
A wealthy farmer has a big harvest. He decides to tear down his barns, build bigger ones, and tell himself to "take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." God calls him a fool, because his life is required of him that night.
Notice what the problem is. It is not the barn. It is that he stored up things for himself and was "not rich toward God." His plan had no room for anyone else, and no thought of God.
Jesus tells his followers not to store up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." The warning is about the heart: what we trust and what we love.
Joseph stored grain during seven good years so Egypt could survive seven years of famine. His saving fed his family and many nations. It was wise, and it was generous.
"Go to the ant, you sluggard... it stores its provisions in summer." Saving in seasons of plenty is presented as wisdom.
"A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children." That takes some saving.
Paul says those who do not provide for their relatives have denied the faith. In a world where most of us will stop working at some point, providing for a spouse in later years is part of that.
The modern idea of retirement, decades of leisure, is not described in Scripture. The closest example is Numbers 8:25-26, where Levites stop the heavy work of the tabernacle at 50 but continue to assist. The work changes; the service continues.
That gives a helpful picture. Saving for retirement is not about funding 30 years of doing nothing. It is about being free to serve, help family and give, when your body or career no longer allows full-time work.
How do you know whether your saving is wise or fearful? Some questions to ask yourself:
Here is what wise saving often looks like for Christians in their 50s and 60s:
Feeling behind is common. Shame does not help. A clear look at where you stand does. Small steps, such as raising contributions, working a little longer, or delaying Social Security, can make a real difference. Proverbs 21:5 says diligent plans lead to profit, and hasty ones to poverty. That is a principle of wisdom, not a promise of financial results.
Scripture does not condemn saving. It condemns trusting in wealth and storing up only for ourselves. Saving for retirement can be an act of stewardship, provision and generosity when it is done with an open hand and a clear purpose.
Will Snodgrass, CFP®, helps Christian pre-retirees and retirees plan with these ideas in mind. Our office is in The Woodlands, Texas, and we work by video with clients across Texas. Advisory services are available only where Will is properly registered or exempt from registration. Start with the Free Retirement Paycheck Readiness Scorecard at scorecard.matt25capital.com, or see Christian Financial Advisor in Texas.
Related reading: From Fear to Faith in Retirement | Christian Retirement Mistakes | The Parable of the Talents and Your Retirement
No. It warns against trusting in wealth and storing up only for ourselves, but it praises wise saving, like Joseph and the ant.
Not in the modern sense. Numbers 8 shows Levites stepping back from heavy work at 50 while still serving.
It depends on your income, needs and goals. It can help to save regularly and define what "enough" means for them.
Many Christians give first and save next. A plan can help you do both.
Jesus spoke of counting the cost before building (Luke 14:28). Planning can be an act of faithful stewardship.
This material is for education only and is not tax or legal advice. Consult your tax or legal professional about your situation. Education only, not individual advice. Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth.