What to Do Before, After Retiring

By Billy Graham, Christian Post Guest Columnist Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Q: I retired last year, and at first I really enjoyed not having to work. But now I'm bored to death, and I know my wife wishes she could get me out of the house. Was I wrong to retire? Did people in the Bible retire when they reached a certain age? - K.R.

A: Some people in the Bible did retire at a certain age; the Levites (who assisted in the Temple ceremonies) had to retire at the age of 50 (see Numbers 8:25). Farmers and other laborers, however, apparently worked as long as they could.

It wasn't necessarily wrong for you to retire - but what was wrong was failing to plan how you'd spend your retirement. I don't blame you; most people, I've found, don't give much thought to it. They look forward to not working; they have their financial plans in place; they even may have a hobby they want to pursue. But that's as far as they get in their planning, and - like you - they end up bored. Perhaps your experience will encourage others who are nearing retirement to give it more thought - and prayer.

I added "and prayer" to that sentence deliberately - because God knows all about your situation, and He has a plan for these years. Why not seek it? Perhaps he wants you to explore a part-time job, or take some classes you'll enjoy.

But God also wants to use you to help others, now that you have the time. What opportunities does your church offer? What mission projects could you join? Don't live just for yourself during these years; you'll keep getting bored. Instead live for Christ, and ask Him to use you. The Bible says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord" (Colossians 3:23).

Affectionately known as the "World's Preacher" for more than 60 years, the Rev. Billy Graham is one of the most influential and respected spiritual leaders of the 20th century. He has been a friend and spiritual advisor to ten American presidents and has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history - nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories - through various meetings. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.