Should Christians Save for Retirement?

Ask Pastor John
Episode: 1206
Transcript: www.desiringgo...

[@Mich_Et]

Praise God! this is exactly what I needed to hear. I am a young Christian woman and I am currently studying to become a financial planner. Many people has asked me why I want to get into this field, because I want to help people become better stewards of what they`ve been given. Please pray that I would have the boldness not to guide my clients in a way that leads to their comfort, but one that leads to greater service of God

[@akashkurien2111]

Amen🙏🙏

[@rickspalding3047]

Financial planning is right up there for most unethical practices, for instance a CFP, RFC, mean absolutely nothing. A CFA has some merit, one of the reasons I left the field, its all based on commissions. My boss loved the 15 grand commissions up front on illiquid assets. 😂😂😂

[@dajosova]

Oh! What a biblical "laser" message! Thank God for the internet (and this channel & pastor John in particular) allowing tremendous enlightenment to come into my life! Please God be upon with these brothers so they can continue to serve You!

[@ironman2326]

I think we should save for retirement, not necessarily to live extravagantly but that when you are no longer able to work, you have an income in which to live. If/when we are forced to retire I believe we should continue to serve others and not just live for your own pleasures.

[@mkirules]

You should also save for retirement so that you can be free to minister without worrying about money. Imagine being able to pastor a church without drawing a salary or going into the mission field without having to fundraise

[@curtiseisenbeis2484]

This entire video, I had the question in my mind that kept repeating... John! John!!! John!!! What exactly "counts" as "retirement"?! Are we talking about, no longer hireable, are we talking to old to move, are we talking about the luxury, are we talking about the minimum for food/water/shelter. It think maybe that is why you asked this question, I wish he would have clarified "retirement" more first before going into everything.

[@curtiseisenbeis2484]

I understand that God supplies our every need. But while we are even not retired. I think money has some purpose, I am going to struggle to eat without it. I think there are 2 types of retirement. Physical retirement, and financial retirement. They are kind of separate. Obviously we are to work as long as we are able. But I was kind of curious, if its ok to at least save up for "some" living, so I can at least have something to eat LOL.

[@curtiseisenbeis2484]

@@mkirules 14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?

[@curtiseisenbeis2484]

2 Corinthians 12:14 -15 so I am assuming their are at least some exceptions to the rule, when you are using the other verses for the "financial retirement" NOT THE "physical retirement". Does this sound right. I am curious. Am I on the right track here?

[@JerettOlson]

We should be good stewards of our money. Yes we should give our time, money, and effort to building up of the kingdom of God. We should love God with all of being and love others. We should be financialy responsible take care of ourselves and our family. It is not responsible to our spouse or our family if we don't plan for retirement or if we get ill. There is a balance that needs to be made between not being ensalved by love of money and not being financially irresponsible. We need to be good stewards of what God gives us so we can use it for God's glory. Part of it is planning for retirement from regular work but continue being a minister of God.

[@frankeckenroad8051]

Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth sums it up biblically.

[@jesuslovesmegalatians2205]

Yes my brother, what the verse means is we must not spent accumulating wealth to be rich in this world , we must propagate his kingdom and make disciples for him, we must denny our carnal nature and carry our cross daily and seek and do what God's will is so even if a Christian has saved up for retirement he/she should spend or utilise that money to propagate God's kingdom , in other words use to help needy people or christians,for missionary work ,supporting contents or projects that spread the gospel Luke 16:9 " Here's the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home."

[@frankeckenroad8051]

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. Proverbs 23:4-5

[@annismalberger3319]

Awesome... thankyou... This is what I felt in my spirit....i knew our services never ends etc. stay blessed stay safe... Amen

[@danball4410]

The Lord Jesus' answer: Matthew 6:33-34 "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." This calls for true faith

[@MK-fw9wx]

wonderfull verse but it does not address the specific issue of handling money and certainly not retirement. Instead it refers to were to put your mind and heart: On God, to live in love, righteousness and truth - for we shall not fear tomorrow, and putting God first will of course work out for our good - in some ways even financially (but not necessarily). Regarding the specific issue of handling our finances we do find several advices in the bible as well. We are called to invest and multiply it (f.e. Mt 25: 14- 30). There is also the famous Matthew-Principle which refers also to the phenomenon of productivity and distribution of goods ("For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath"/ Mt 25:29) - it is wise to be productive, invest something and multiply it - we are called to live wisely. It is a wise thing to save or invest something for times when there will be no harvest. people in the Old and New Testament get prepared for difficult times (joseph, noah...); the proverbs 31 is a hyperproductive woman, what she saves she reinvests (buys f.e. a vineyard). She also has the right attitude towards money for "she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy".

[@danball4410]

@@MK-fw9wx Perhaps read the context of the verse; it is the Lord Himself teaching about money and retirement. “You cannot serve God and money." (Matthew 6:24)

[@MK-fw9wx]

@@danball4410 that refers to matters of the heart and leads to the ultimate question: Who is (your) Lord? Of course one cannot serve God when their highest goal is money. God must be prioritized. But as I wrote - how to handle finances and retirement is a separate issue. What are you proposing? If you are proposing what I think you do, I suggest to look at the verse again. "You cannot serve God and money" - Jesus knows that people work in exchange of goods and of money and he categorizes it as legitimate. So, people must `serve` money in the process of exchanging work and goods: they get payed and they work for money. So Jesus does not utilize the word "serve" this way. Instead the verb "serve" points us to the question: Who is our Lord, whom we are serving? Who reigns your heart? It ultimately cannot be reigned by God AND money. Using a profession wisely (also in regards to money), using income wisely, saving and investing (f.e. for retirement) and sharing is not equivalent to having money as personal Lord. It can be used as a tool in love. Depending on the heart it means to act responsible (like in 1. Thes 4:12), even to serve people - like people next to you that otherwise would have to take care of you financially.

[@wongsikiongwongsikiong4296]

Be sensible and reasonable for the good of oneself and others.

[@yourhomeisyourbusiness2221]

I don’t look at it as saving for retirement as much as saving for old age. The word retirement brings to mind such aspirations as vacations, golfing, etc.-all the fun stuff. I don’t want to be a burden to my family or society as my strength and mobility decline.

[@ElleeZee289]

Being in finance is great way to serve people during the big events in their lives like buying a house, the death of a loved one, the birth of a child, etc. There really isn’t much room to teach them how to morally steward their money. You need to UNDERSTAND their goals, not change them, and help them invest in a manner that is suitable to their goals, time they have to invest, and risk tolerance. If you work with wealthy people, they tend to be very philanthropic and you will get to help them support their favorite charities, as well as help them provide for their families during and after their lifetime. It’s important, as a Christian to eliminate conflicts of interest, where you could benefit from having them invest a certain way so that it results in a higher commission for you. Where I used to work, I’d see senior citizens nearly get swindled by annuities at other companies. I was happy to be a trusted resource for them and help them avoid these pitfalls.

[@ronviejo4994]

Matthew 25:14-30 says it all

[@mak88119]

I have some savings because I would not want to become a burden to my child or anyone else.

[@sitka49]

No leisure after retirement? That's the case I might as well just keep working till I'm 85, Work 40 years raised five kids, I'd like to do some traveling doing things with the family in my retirement. We have been scraping by a lot of those years working trying to raise a family , Love to do some things I wanted to do all my life before I'm too crippled and old to do it.

[@RebekahSing]

If you think this is a ridiculous question then you truly don't understand how radical the gospel is

[@brianmoonmusic]

Amen money is not ours to begin off with our riches and our debts our daily income all belong to God and God is responsible for all our finances

[@brothermaynard3200]

This may apply in an American context but is not really an issue where I live. That said, guaranteed financial security in your twilight years is a blessing that brings different responsibilities...

[@PeaceFan1]

Ultimately it is JESUS, Who Provides for us no matter how much Save or have saved for " retirement "... Our Times are in HIS Hands as well as our future and we Must rely on JESUS for our Future, NOT "Money" in a Retirement Account!!

[@DeusDinheiroMatematica]

this seems pretty irresponsible tbh not faithful

[@prabhakararaorajarapu429]

AMEN

[@amaree9732]

No, No... You don't need to save for retirement... God wants you to have the character building experience of living out of your car.

[@sarahscroggins2793]

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Matthew 16:19

[@jakebull2571]

Love these videos, but the title to this one should not have been what it was. The title should’ve been “Should Christians become financial planners”. I would like to know what the answer to “should Christians save for retirement” would be. Should Christians not have a 401k? Should they spend everything they saved for missions? Should they use only the bare minimum to live on then give every single cent? Dr. Piper obviously has an issue with the concept of retirement, and I agree with his notion, but what is the actual pragmatic steps a Christian should take once the “retirement” age comes upon him?

[@preston0808]

Honestly I think any Christian should err on the side of giving it all away. I'm having trouble justifying any kind of long term savings, especially given I could be gone by next week or next year. Everyone should pray about it though. For some of us, saving a large sum of money may be what God wants. Perhaps in 40 years, there will be a huge need you/we are able to fulfill with such a sum of money.

[@kimimb]

Jake Bull , Just want to add this Proverbs 21:20. "There is precious treasure and oil in the house of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up." You know what a wise man does? He sets aside some of his treasure and some of his oil...for the unexpected. Do you know what the fool does? He swallows it all up. The Living Bible has a very good translation It says, "The wise man saves for the future. The foolish man spends whatever he gets."...Save. i believe that we should always operate on a margin. If we don't, we r presuming on the grace of God and lead us to the sin of presumption. Here's another. Proverbs 27:23 and 24. "Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds, for riches are not forever." We ought to know what condition they're in, because our money's not gonna last forever, and we need to know where we are at all times.

[@jakebull2571]

Aldrin Lim I appreciate this. Thanks!

[@robertdowler5073]

I would say so.

[@mikedunker7354]

Why not I would rather have money to help the poor

[@jesuslovesmegalatians2205]

we must not spent accumulating wealth to be rich in this world , we must propagate his kingdom and make disciples for him, we must denny our carnal nature and carry our cross daily and seek and do what God's will is so even if a Christian has saved up for retirement he/she should spend or utilise that money to propagate God's kingdom , in other words use to help needy people or christians,for missionary work ,supporting contents or projects that spread the gospel Luke 16:9 " Here's the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home."

[@Jonathan-sd8kg]

Saving money does not mean you're trying to be rich. Money is a gift from God and he gives it to us

[@jesuslovesmegalatians2205]

Jonathan Billings I never said that , pls read what I have written again, I said that whatever money a true born again christian has or saved up belongs to christ and would mainly be used for his kingdom/ helping christian brothers and sisters in need for we are commanded to" give freely as we are given " , " be cheerful giver", " help the orphans and widows in their afflictions " . This things are hard to do due to the carnal nature within us that's why Jesus instructed us that if any of us wants to be his followers then let him deny himself and carry his cross daily , everything we have is gift from God that's why we where are asked give as freely as we are given We are supposed to do his will on earth and be just like our master , Jesus has the gift of performing miracles, yet when the devil tempted him , he did not turned stone to bread but rebuked the devil and told him ," man shall not leave on bread(material needs ) alone but every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" Luke 16:10-11 "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities." "And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?" John 4:34 "Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work."

[@caringlovetv6998]

Hi, Money is currency. One day you have it one day you do not. Amen!!!

[@nigell.8705]

I've been saved been saved for over 10 years and I love this channel but I disagree on some parts and I'm not bashing you but rather challenging the doctrine. Yes, we have bought been blood bought and we need to give to the poor but that doesn't mean we don't need to be financially literate and save and invest for our future. We are called to be effective managers and Jesus said that the world is better with money than children of the light but He wants us to be just as financially literate on top of being lead by him and living for Him, the most important component that the world misses. We can serve God and manage mammon well, just can't let it be our God. Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19

[@Shelly_Renee825]

I was thinking Bitcoin too😅 8:21

[@BecamePneuma]

God Bless Bitcoin

[@robertlegault9226]

The whole root of the problem is that Christians are living independantly when they should be living interdependently like the early Christians before Constantine. A good example are orthodox jews however I believe Christians would be more righteous. This would be a support system a neighborhood where our kids can be safe, educated the Christian way, were the widows and orphans would be supported. It is a question of time and trust but we can do it.

[@urielmesenja1040]

I save for my old age, i don't think ill live to see it but then at least my family is left with a chunk of change :)

[@themessiahsreturn8889]

But will go to heaven?

[@mountaindew7190]

I thought Piper was going to start talking about bitcoins as well :)

[@lacrabacnasu583]

It's very wrong the question! The important is that we have any responsibility for our own life on this earth, if we don't have any inheritage from mummy or daddy?! How could we give "to Cezar what is of Cezar"?!

[@amanidarwish6659]

What about planing to have a house? (a small one) Saving money to buy it, am I putting myself in the circle of thieves here? Please I need to know

[@jesuslovesmegalatians2205]

Amani Darwish what ever you do you must be guided by the Holy sprit pls pray and meditate on the word of God and pray that you be filled with the holy sprit, once filled let the holyspirt guide you for Jesus said he will send a helper to guide and lead you its impossible to live a successful christian life or do God's will without the holy sprit guiding you or leading you pls note God didn't give us the holy sprit to just speak in tounges or various gift but to also be a guide pls be patient and wait on the Lord and he will guide you just how Jesus lead his disciples when he was physically on earth kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXW1oKZsj72Gic0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5W1nmlrrrSng8k

[@jesuslovesmegalatians2205]

Here how you can contact me for if you have more questions regarding spritual matters or prayer requests youtu.be/addme/h-2E8B9NSFUlbJ5_dVXQMdQq-ciq9Q

[@sammaina_]

Listen to Robert Kiyosaki on assets and liabilities He has lots of content on youtube on financial literacy that may propel your decisions I'm not affiliated with him nor his company so it's up to you to make the final decision.

[@mynameis......23]

6:49

[@Jonathan-sd8kg]

Should Christians save for retirement? I love John Piper but this is a ridiculous question. Of course you can!

[@chikauzor6950]

Jonathan Billings I thought the same thing. Ridiculous!

[@mrsneably5922]

More like they should !!!

[@brianfromireland]

Hi pastor John, love your work but don't agree with you here. I believe we serve our God by serving others through our work, doing a great job. I don't think it's right to have a driving motivation in the background to steer a client towards a Christian retirement....if they are not Christian. I think he should work hard with honestly and love and give all options, praying for a chance to tell them about God. If he applied your guidance he will always feel bad about this work as they don't want to listen.thanks for Everything you do john

[@brianfromireland]

Robert Townrow thanks for your response, very clear ...and eye opening. I think diving a bit deeper as you have was required...thanks for spending this time to help a stranger understand a bit better . God bless

[@stephanieyeshuaislife7236]

When does this video answer the question?

[@joshuacorbin221]

A clear answer about becoming a financial planner. I have this against you: this does nothing to clarify the yes or no question of should a believer have a retirement account to live on for the days to come when they are too old to work in their current vocation? ... so what do we do, support our parents by replacing 100% of their living expenses? is it right to rely on social security supplemental income?

[@vmag1552]

Just trust Jesus Christ.....He asked us to build a firm house on a rock where people can be helped from....God helps us to help other as well as ourselves, so should Christians save for their sole retirement? Or retirement of many including one's self?

[@sskuk1095]

How about couseling non christians about saving for retirement? Can a christian work in a company that does that?

[@BecamePneuma]

Bitcoin

[@NorthernWildOutdoors]

Pastor John. Would you say that you agree with Dave Ramsey's principles on money?

[@tashaeddy3902]

Nathan Berg listen to his message "Why I nominate the prosperity gospel". I would say he disagrees after listening to that...

[@NorthernWildOutdoors]

Tasha Eddy Dave Ramsey is a prosperity gospel person? I dont see it. Why do you?

[@rrickarr]

What kind of listener asks this question? How is saving for retirement incorrect stewardship. It is questions like this that clearly point out that many Christians need to learn to think. Why do so many Christians think that poverty is some type of virtue?

[@mattr.1887]

If someone asks for all of your savings, you need to give it to them. Plus, give them even more. Matthew 5:40-42. It's not a sin to save. But you need to be prepared to give it all away at a moment's notice.

[@Pandaemoni]

Jesus saves, so you don't have to...

[@tesstefera6334]

PLEASE PRAY FOR ME SO THAT I WILL BE A MILLIONARE TO SERVE GOD IN JESUS'S NAME!

[@ma.cannon2849]

Where there is no law, there is no transgression. Question answered

[@IanBartleson]

So all of Christ's teachings are just, null and void now?

[@jesuslovesmegalatians2205]

Ian Bartleson no brother there is no law from God , but we as true born again christian are expected to deny our self and carry our cross daily , only commandment we are given is to love our God our Father with all our heart and soul and also love our neighbour as our self especially out brother and sister in Christ,and if that's why we are instructed to give freely as we are given for every thing we have is gift from God and belongs to him even his life Mark 8:35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel will save it.

[@IanBartleson]

Amen. I just mean, if someone's asking if they should save for retirement, the answer isn't "where there is no law there is no transgression." That statement is true but way out of context. Luke 12:16-21 for retirement. The prosperity preachers asking for a $54 million private jet could say "well, where there's no law, there's no transgression." I don't think that excuses them. The Lord was pretty clear that we aren't to lay up treasures on earth.

[@Yvanyllda]

Moddie Cannon "Live as free people,but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. " 1Peter 2:16

[@khatack]

Money belongs to the state, not to God. Render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar, render unto God what belongs to God. God really doesn't give a rat about money any more that he gives a rat about a hammer; money is just a tool we use to facilitate trading and measure market value, it is not something God has an interest in. As long as you use money in a Godly manner, He's not going to mind any more than if you use a Hammer in a Godly manner. That means honesty above all else and besides that all the love thy neighbor jazz.

[@benstevinson764]

Money is the Real GOD of This World! 💸

[@mike.p.1400]

Everybody should save. As much as they can. But investing is gambling. Never forget that. Financial risk = gambling.

[@Stateofmind00]

If investing is gambling then you should be in favor of it.

[@mike.p.1400]

@@Stateofmind00 I am. I definitely am.

[@nigell.8705]

Investing is not gambling.

[@mike.p.1400]

@@nigell.8705 wanna bet ?

[@nigell.8705]

@@mike.p.1400 If your definition of investing is things like day trading and other forms of speculation like bitcoin, etc. Then I have to tell you that's not investing. The Securities Exchange Commission, the top organization that is over the stock market, said that day trading isn't investing. Investing is long-term not short-term. And there's nothing in the bible that speaks against investing or even being financially literate.

[@yolandahines1094]

He says occupy until He comes. We are not to live in poverty. Jesus didn't die for that....