Sunday Thought 46

Retirement. To some the word brings images of relaxation, fun, new careers and opportunities. To others it brings the fear of not having enough.

When Social Security started in the thirties, what was once for the rich became attainable for everyone. It soon went from being a privilege to an assumed right. With this “right” came ever-increasing taxes to support those in retirement. And as people live longer, collect more and more benefits, and utilize more expensive medical technology, the costs to society in general and to those in retirement specifically continue to grow. Retirement has become quite costly.

Therefore, saving for retirement has become a necessity. Something which cannot be put off until “tomorrow”, nor can it be left to the government to supply for you fully. We must be prudent and set aside a part of our earnings now to provide for later. Then retirement will be a time of opportunity rather than fear.

This is what applies to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall enter to perform service in the work of the tent of meeting. But at the age of fifty years they shall retire from service in the work and not work any more.  Numbers 8:24-25

Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer, and gathers her provision in the harvest.  Proverbs 6:6-8.