Biblical Answer

Can I Still Work After 65?

The Bible does not explicitly address the age of 65 as a retirement age, but it does provide principles that can guide our understanding of work and retirement. The Bible teaches that work is a good gift from God, instituted at creation (Genesis 1:27-31). It is a way to serve God and others, and it is central to our human identity (Colossians 3:23-24). The Bible also teaches that our primary identity is not defined by our work, but by our relationship with God (Matthew 22:37-40).

While the Bible does not call us to a leisurely life, it also does not require us to work until we die. The concept of retirement is not a biblical one, but it can be seen as a way to transition into a new season of life, where we can focus on serving God in new ways. In fact, the Bible teaches that our work should be motivated by a desire to serve God, rather than just to earn a living (Matthew 6:24-34). As we age, we may have the opportunity to serve God in new ways, such as volunteering, mentoring, or sharing our experience and wisdom with others.

Ultimately, the decision to continue working after 65 is a personal one, influenced by our individual circumstances, health, and goals. The Bible encourages us to be faithful stewards of our time, talents, and resources, regardless of our age (Matthew 25:14-30). If we are able to continue working, we can use our experience and skills to serve God and others in new and creative ways. If we are not able to continue working, we can focus on other ways to serve God, such as prayer, worship, and sharing our faith with others. In either case, our primary identity remains as children of God, loved and redeemed by Jesus Christ. As we age, we can continue to grow in our faith and serve God in new and exciting ways.