God often chooses older people for key roles in His Kingdom work.

Seasons of Life

Some have divided the seasons of our life into three parts. An old friend calls these stages: learner (with a focus on acquiring wisdom), load-bearer (with a focus on applying wisdom), and lender (when one gives back to the community from the depth of his experience).

What is certain is that God intends for us to flourish and produce fruit in each season. Joel 2:28 says,

“And it shall come to pass afterward,
    that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
    your old men shall dream dreams,
    and your young men shall see visions.

Joel 2:28

We have been created in God’s image and called to steward his creation. God did not put an expiration date on our call to service. He does however, recognize that there are different seasons to life and that our roles change with the seasons.

Some might point to Numbers 8:25-26 as a case where God put a limit on the time the Levites were to serve in the tent of meeting as proof that God intended for man to retire after a period of service. A careful reading of verse 26 shows that they were not “put out to pasture,” but rather, God assigned them a new role.

In many cultures older people are honored and valued. They have earned a special place through years of experience. The Bible also has something more to say about those who are old and “gray-haired.”

Psalm 92:12-14 reminds us “They will bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” I like that. God intends for us to flourish and continue bearing fruit as long as we live. You might say that it is not retirement but a process of repurposing for another season on life.

Flourishing

I have heard older folks say, ”… I should retire and make room for younger leadership — But I don’t feel as if I am done yet.” The key is that one is not retiring in the sense most people think of it. Rather one is shifting from one season to another. From one role to another. God is not done with you. The best is yet to come.

Psalm 92 conjures up the image of a plant whose branches are green and putting out blossoms and fruit. Today we like to talk about how God intends for his people to flourish.

Flourishing is not so much wellbeing as objective fruitfulness in the world. They will continue to bear fruit and make a difference for God in the world.

Case in Point

A few years back in Tentmaking Today we shared the story of Sue and Robert. They had retired from their teaching careers and were comfortably living in a retirement center. One day their conversation turned to their never fulfilled plan to become missionaries. They decided God was not done with them and found teaching positions in northern China. God gave them 20 years of ministry in China where they impacted many lives. You can read about their tentmaking experience here – From a retirement home to China – a retired couples story – GLOBAL Intent.

What are you planning for the third third of your life? How much golf can you play?

For further reflection on this topic check out:

• “A Biblical Vision of Third Third Flourishing” Mark D Roberts, Fuller De Pree Center. A Biblical Vision of Third Third Flourishing – De Pree Center
• What Does The Bible Say About Retirement? – Crown

By Phill Sandahl