Luke 14:28-31 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build, and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? [Revised Standard translation]
Biblical Comment
The Bible encourages all of us to plan ahead, to carefully think about the what we need to accomplish, to consider our strengths and weaknesses, to evaluate our present situation and, in general, to consider the “costs” in implementing and completing our goals. Two examples are given.
The first example is that of a person building a tower without planning ahead or taking the necessary steps to complete the job. The vision was there. In fact, the vision is lofty! This person does not want to build a mere house, but a tower! However, the execution is weak. Perhaps the person started building without a blueprint, or underestimated the cost of the building materials and ran out of funds. Perhaps he did not evaluate his own strengths and weaknesses and did not consider the physical or psychological sacrifices necessary to complete the task.
The second example given in Luke 14 is that of a king going to war. This example suggests that the stakes are high. During Biblical times losing a war, not only meant the end of the king’s reign but the destruction of a whole nation. Men were killed, women were widowed, children were orphaned and, once defeated, survivors were taken into captive as slaves. Property, possessions and even religious freedoms were lost in times of war. Entering into war required careful consideration, counsel and planning, because “everything” was at stake. For this reason the king sought wise counsel from military experts, prophets, wise men and from GOD.
Planning for Health
Just as a person might plan financially for retirement, it is equally important to plan for health in retirement. On a piece of paper make three headings: Physical Activities; Social Activities and Mental Activities.
Physical Activities:
Instead of just thinking about various physical activities that a person “might” do, think about your own body. Are there areas what you would like to improve (e.g., stronger core, greater cardio endurance, increased bone density, etc.) Instead of thinking about the outwards things that we often think about when we think about our bodies (e.g., less fat in various area, different physical shape or appearance), think inwardly.
Social Activities
According to some researchers, staying socially active, such as joining church groups or engaging in other group activities (e.g. attending a book club) may add years on your life after retirement. According to “Social Groups May Lengthen Retirees’ Lives,” by Steven Reinberg, February 16, 2016, www.webmd.com:
The more groups a person belongs to in early retirement, the lower their risk of premature death, Australian researchers found. The chance of dying within six years of stopping work was 2 percent for people who were members of two social groups before retiring and stayed in both. If they left one group, their risk of death increased to 5 percent, and it rose to 12 percent if they left both groups.
The sense of belonging is important. Meaningful human interactions are important to our well-being. One researcher notes that “We are social animals and suffer if that part of our nature is denied.” Id. So, the next time you are seated next to a visitor at church, invite him or her to join your group or check out the various groups at your place of worship to see what else you might join.
Mental Activities
It is important to challenge your mind. Mental vitality and emotional vitality are closely tied to physical vitality. Just as inactivity can sometimes make a person depressed; physical activity can cause changes in the body’s chemistry that create a more positive attitude and greater emotional well-being.
Some of the activities that can challenge your mind include activities like learning a language, playing an instrument, solving cross-word puzzles, playing games of strategy. Just as the body needs exercise, so does the brain. Lifelong learning is important.
Many colleges offer classes to 50 year-olds or 60 year-old for free. Some classes are even offered free on line:
You can find free online courses from many universities and colleges through companies such as Coursera,edX, and Udacity, and through aggregator sites such as Class-central. Recent six-week course offerings on Coursera included Songwriting (Berklee College of Music), Chinese for Beginners (Peking University), and the Analysis of Algorithms (Princeton). Skynet University, sponsored by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, offers students remote access to telescopes in Australia, Chile, and other places.
See, “Go to college for free if you’re over 50, Throughout the country, special programs make it possible,” August 31, 2015, www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/09/go-to-college-for-free-if-you-re-over-50/index.htm.
According to the California State University, East Bay “Over 60 Program:”
California residents 60 years of age and over who wish to take classes or pursue a degree may have their tuition fees waived. A nominal university fee of $4 per quarter will still apply, plus any required course fees. See the program application form for details about special class registration procedures. Regular admission to the University is required prior to registration. For complete details, see How To Apply. Prospective participants must file an application at CSUMentor and other necessary admission documents, along with an Over 60 Form. The application fee is also waived.
So, if you are over 60 and want a mental challenge, take a college class. If you have parents, friends or relatives who might benefits from this information, pass it along. If you are younger, remember many colleges have financial resources that may help you take classes too.
Start Planning
What is your vision for your retirement? Do you envision a strong, healthy body and mind? Is your goal to present your body a fiscal, spiritual and physical sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to GOD? (Romans 12:1).
If so, plan ahead! Treat your health like a detailed battle plan –creating ways to fight the “enemy”---procrastination, self-doubt, inactivity and other things impeding our progress.
Start working on your plan today. Consult GOD about everything.
Ask HIM to guide you in building of your “strong tower” and BE BLESSED!
