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But the best plan might not be a larger insurance policy or RRSPs. The best plan may be to engage a "kinsman-redeemer", as Ruth in the Old Testament did when she married Boaz. I know someone who's available: Jesus Christ.
But that's spiritual redemption, you say. How will it provide financial security?
I could point to several examples, but my folks are one of the best. In 1950, they responded to God's call to become missionaries in rural towns across the United States. The mission agency that they first went out under, and later the small-town churches where they pastored, couldn't pay much. Often people's tithes came as a gallon of milk, fresh garden vegetables or venison steaks.
Mom and Dad had no money to set aside for their old age. In fact, from time to time, they even had to leave the pastorate so Dad could go back into the aircraft industry and earn some extra cash. But, a few years later, he'd be back in the pastorate. Some might not see the plan in those periodic changes, but I finally think I understand.
My folks are now in their early 80s, with no pension, no savings and no big investments. But God is providing for them in remarkable ways--although it isn't with the leisure and luxury some people expect, and there are questions about tomorrow.
I am grateful for modern mission agencies and churches that shoulder the financial responsibility for retired workers. But, regardless of whether we can see how God will provide, the main question is: Who are we trusting?
Maybe God wants you to invest in pensions. Maybe He wants you to sell all your assets and give the money to the poor. The question remains: Have you upgraded your retirement plan to make Jesus your Kinsman-Redeemer? If you have, chances are that you are doing what He wants you to do. You have signed up for the best retirement plan around.
Dave and Neta Jackson, authors of many books, live in Evanston, Ill.
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