Old Is A Lie [so stop buying it]

I've been thinking a lot lately about the word retire. Have you ever thought about it? When I read the Bible, God's Word, I find God using people to fulfill His will and purpose regardless of their age. People like Moses, Abraham, Sarah. Honestly, I've read the Bible a few times, cover to cover, and not once have I read about anyone who got a job, worked X number of years, then retired to do, well, essentially nothing. 

Several of my friends and acquaintances have recently 'retired'. What I've discovered is those who have found a new or renewed purpose after retiring are the ones who are thriving. A prominent business man once told me, "the true meaning of retire is to put on new tread, not to drop dead". This has stuck with me through the years, increasing my curiosity about the concept of retirement and why we strive for this so-called prize only to often be disappointed. 

Perhaps it's purely a Western culture concept. In the American workplace, we seem anxious to provide the golden handshake to those who reach a 'certain' age OR we find a way to terminate them via a 'restructuring' or the like.

But why, when old is a lie?

A lie from the pit of hell that we keep buying. Truth is, God used people right up to their death to fulfill His Kingdom purpose. Life is far more fulfilling when purpose is tied to what one does, each and every day. When one has purpose, one has a reason to live. A reason to be productive. A reason to get up every day. A reason to learn. A reason to stay relevant.

Old is a lie.

Even if your employer decides it's time for you to go, you can still take charge of your future, so don't start going about acting like everything is over and go curl up in a corner and die. Instead, go about creating something new. I'm a HUGE proponent of side gigs or hobbies that can turn into income and help others at the same time. I believe these keep us alive and moving forward. What skills, talents, and abilities do you have that can turn into a profitable business? Until we can change Western culture, your future is in your hands. Look, I get it, you think no one on social media or otherwise is going to care about what you have to say or about what you bring to the table. But that's a lie, too, that the enemy wants you to buy because he doesn't want God's purposes and will fulfilled through you or anyone else for that matter. Simply accept that this spiritual battle will continue until Jesus' return.

Old is a lie. 

My challenge to you is, what are you going to do? How will you prepare for the 'just in case' your company decides you no longer belong? Don't get me wrong, while employed you must stay as current and relevant as possible. It's good for your brain. It's good for your longevity. It's good for your pocketbook. You simply don't want to get caught with your pants down, so to speak. Which is why I'm an advocate of the side gig or hobby that can turn into serious income. What will it be for you? You want alternatives. You need alternatives. You want purpose. You need purpose. Find some. Because you're not ready to curl up and die -- not as long as you have breath in your lungs. God wants to use you, regardless of your age or stage.

Old is a lie. So stop buying it.

xo,

pj