How could we possibly serve the Lord while traveling?

on Nov 24, 2025

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: After 55 years in the workplace, my wife and I plan to take it easy and travel; therefore, we’re also retiring from our duties at church. Our pastor has informed us that Christians never retire from serving the Lord, but what could we possibly do while traveling? – R.L.

A: As Christians, we should never retire from doing the work of the Lord. The Bible says that those who live should not live just for themselves, “but for Him who died for them” (2 Corinthians 5:15, NKJV). God knows how each person is gifted. He knows each person’s needs and limitations. If we don’t seek God’s will for how to spend retirement, we can drift aimlessly along, assuming our usefulness is over and running after every whim, to squeeze as much enjoyment out of the remaining years of life.

God knows our need for restoration. The writer of Ecclesiastes said every person should “enjoy the good of all [their] labor – it is the gift of God” (3:13, NKJV). "After a grueling period of ministry, Jesus urged His disciples to go with Him “to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31, NIV).

But if our only goal during retirement years is to have a good time, we may well have fallen into the trap of empty, meaningless activity. God entrusts to us each day to use for His glory. This is true for working years, and is equally true for retirement years.

What, then, is the key to a successful retirement? Retirement isn’t something that just happens if we live long enough; it’s a gift from God. Understanding this helps us have a more fulfilling approach to this season of life. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)