Retirement – Why Are You Still Working? Is That Really God’s Plan?Sample

GREED: Is That Why You’re Still Working?

Let’s be honest – money plays a big role in whether or not you retire. And that’s not a sin in itself. But how you respond to the money question might reveal something deeper.

There are three types of people reading this.

First, some of you simply cannot afford to stop working. The cost of living is real. You don’t have a pension or enough savings. You're working to survive, not out of preference. If that's your situation, keep going – God sees you, and He’s with you.

“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Your faithfulness is not unnoticed.

Then there’s the second group: those who probably could retire, but won’t – because you’re unsure.

You’ve done some planning. You’ve got a retirement fund, some social security or a pension, maybe even a home that’s paid off. It’s not everything you hoped for, but it’s enough to live on. Still, something inside says, “What if it’s not?”

What if healthcare wipes it out? What if you live longer than expected? What if something goes wrong?

Let’s stop right there.

Is it wise to plan? Yes.

But is it right to stall your obedience to God just because the numbers aren’t perfect? No.

You’re not broke – you’re just unsure. And that uncertainty is quietly disguising itself as caution. But underneath, it’s a reluctance to step out in faith. You worried – and likely too much so:

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” – Luke 12:25

If you sense that God is nudging you into a new season, then you’re not being asked to jump off a cliff. You’re being asked to walk by faith. You might not have the income you once had, but your foundation is solid. You’re not destitute – you’re comfortable but nagged by uncertainty.

Yes, the future is uncertain. But if you wait for absolute financial clarity before following God’s will, you will never move, and you’ll miss out on what God has for you now.

And if you really run into trouble? Your kids may step in. Your church might. God will provide. So don’t let fear of “what if” keep you from doing what God wants now. Just trust and obey:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

Finally, let’s talk about the third group.

You make more than enough – and you know it. You don’t need to keep working. But you’re not retiring because, frankly, you like the income. You like what it buys. And you’re not ready to give that up.

This isn’t about doing good to help others. It’s about your lifestyle. And that’s greed. Remember the words of Jesus:

“You cannot serve both God and money.” – Luke 16:13

If this is you, it’s time to stop pretending that your career is still about purpose or calling. It’s about comfort. And it's costing you the chance to step fully into the life of faith, service, and fruitfulness that God has already mapped out for your retirement years.

So which group are you?

If you're in the first, keep trusting and working with grace.

If you're in the second, it's time to stop hiding behind uncertainty. You have enough. God will take care of you. Take the step.

And if you're in the third, recognize that clinging to income isn’t wisdom – it’s disobedience.

Whatever group you’re in, God has a purpose for your next season. So, don’t let greed – in any form – keep you from it.