Don’t Retire

Today’s devotional is titled “Don’t Retire!” The heart of this message is simple: in God’s kingdom, there is no spiritual retirement. We are called to keep serving, growing, and abounding in the Lord’s work in every season of life.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”— 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)This reflection was sparked by an article a friend sent me about Dr. Howard Tucker—known as the world’s oldest practicing doctor—and his three best tips for living a long and healthy life. You can read more here: TODAY.com feature on Dr. Howard Tucker.

Refired, Not Retired

When I was in Bible school, our college principal would say, “You should never retire; you should get refinement—or rather, be refired in the Holy Spirit.” I have always loved that. It captures the call to stay spiritually alive and purposeful.

I don’t know whether Dr. Tucker is a Christian, but much of what he practices aligns with Christian principles. One line that stood out was his statement that “retirement is the enemy of longevity.” He emphasized that you need a purpose—to get up in the morning knowing what you are about. That resonates deeply with the Christian life.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

— John 10:10 (NKJV)

Jesus offers abundant life. God wants us to have good things, to live purposefully, and to pour our time into what matters for His kingdom.

For a related thought on staying spiritually active, see Keep Occupied.

A Life of Learning and Purpose

Dr. Tucker keeps a computer and smartphone and is determined to keep up with technology. He’s even become a TikTok “star,” which he finds a mystery. He quipped that if you live long enough, people are inspired by your life. I’m sure as a doctor he has plenty to say.

He warned that if you retire, you can face potential “shrivelling up” and end up in a nursing home. He said it’s fun staying alive and working. “It’s delightful work; every day I’m learning something new.” That’s exactly the posture we should take—keep learning new things every day until the day we die.

His “Prescription” for a Long Life

Be kind. (A biblical principle.)
Be happy. (A biblical principle.)
Don’t smoke.
Don’t hate. (Christians are not called to hate; we may have righteous anger, but we are called to love.)

This is why it is vital to be full of the Holy Spirit and to know who you are in Christ. You might also enjoy Are You Hungering After God?.

Retire—or Carry On?

Do you have plans to retire—or to carry on? I believe it’s profoundly biblical to keep doing good things for the kingdom. The Bible calls us to go into all the world and preach the good news. We are not all called to be missionaries or evangelists, but how we spend our time matters.

I’ve seen people who simply live the same 9–5 routine: watch the same things, eat dinner, go to bed, and repeat. And I’ve seen others with a zest for life who don’t stop—like this doctor. The moral of the story is: Will you be like the doctor, or will you just sit and vegetate? I don’t believe God wants us to sit back. He wants us to do good things—and it is so rewarding.

For encouragement to keep pressing on, see Elon Gets It and Bible Verses on Truth.

Finishing Well

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7–8 (NKJV)

How good it is when a life finishes and we can say we ran the race and fought the good fight. It’s a wonderful thing to finish and know we have done something good in the Lord.

Final Encouragement

“Don’t retire.” Be steadfast. Be immovable. Keep abounding in the work of the Lord. Your labour in Him is never in vain.

Don’t Retire!