A Word of Encouragement
In
these verses Paul gives special directions for those of us who are rich in this
world.
1 Timothy 6:17 As for the rich in this world, charge
them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God
who richly furnishes us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do
good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous, 19 thus laying
up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold
of the life which is life indeed. (RSV)
When Lutrica and I lived in Viet Nam, we saw people so poor that they lived under a piece of tin on the sidewalk with very few possessions! So I know that compared to the really poor, we are some of the “rich of this world.” I see here that Paul first warns that sometimes rich people get proud or haughty. They come to depend on their riches, and forget that their only true security is in the Lord who richly furnishes us all with everything to enjoy! So I will remember his instruction to do good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous so that I can be laying up a foundation for the future in heaven, and so that I can take hold of the more abundant life that Jesus is providing for me, the life which is life indeed!
This message is dedicated to humbly remembering that
the Lord is our security, so that we do not trust in our money, but in God who generously furnishes us with everything
to enjoy. Let us gratefully do good, and be rich in good deeds, generous and
liberal, so that we can lay up treasures for ourselves in heaven, and take hold
of the more abundant life our Lord Jesus Christ is providing for us in him.
Don’t forget to pray!
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ out loud, continually,
and rejoice in the Lord always, REGARDLESS!