As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19 ESV)
In the context of the above Scriptures, Paul speaks highly of being content with food and shelter alone. Striving for money, he warns, has led some to stray from the faith. For those who have money, he gives a formula for how to use those riches to glorify God.
Before we look at that formula, let's ask ourselves, "Am I rich?"
Many probably don't see themselves as rich, but that's a matter of perspective. Consider:
- the orphan girl in Ukraine who's never had the luxury of a slice of pizza;
- the millions in Nairobi without running water;
- the Brazilian family sandwiched into a house the size of your living room; or even
- the Appalachian mother who doesn't know whether her child will have shoes to replace those with soles that flap with every step.
Compared to these, the average American is rich.
So let's ask ourselves again, "Am I rich?"
Chances are, you were forced to answer in the affirmative. Praise God for His goodness! Now, what responsibilities do those riches bring?
First, we need to check our attitude towards others. Do we think ourselves better than those who appear less fortunate? When you see the older lady with the twenty-year-old clothes or smell the unmistakable odor of ammonia that emanates from the disheveled man in the wheelchair, what are your thoughts? Disdain? Fear? Pity? Maybe, just maybe, you can answer love. God sees them no differently. They are people in as much need of a Savior as you.
Second, we need to put our trust in God, not the security of money. Money can be fleeting. One day you can have a lucrative position with what you believe is a secure future. The next day your company might announce 120 layoffs, and you're one of the casualties. This is a time for God to remind you that He is the ultimate Provider. And His provisions are good. He wants us to enjoy his gifts.
Third, we need to use our gifts wisely. We are "to do good to others, to be rich in good works, to be ready to impart, liberal." It's not all about what we do with money, is it? Doing good to others requires our time and thoughtfulness, and our good works ought to be abundant. The word "rich" is the same word used to refer to monetary riches in 1 Timothy 6:9. Our ultimate responsibility with riches, though, is to give to others--liberally.
These responsibilities are not without reward to those who perform them. The result is treasure stored up as a good foundation for the future. This way, we may take hold of that which is truly life. That is, eternal life.
Meditation:
When have you been forced to rely on God as the ultimate Provider? How did He show his faithfulness? Has that experience changed the way you view money?
Do you regard yourself as a giving person? Do you hesitate to spend money on your own needs? Do you hesitate to use money for others' needs? How much money is "enough" that you would be ready to give to others liberally?
Pray that God would give you the right attitude toward the money He has given you. Ask Him to lead you to the right opportunities to bless others in the most effective way.