Key Verse: “Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, 19 storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:18-19 CSB)
I don’t remember ever buying a lottery ticket. It’s not because I have a problem with it necessarily. It’s because I just don’t like my odds of winning, and I’d rather not throw away the money. But every once in awhileI catch myself daydreaming about what I would do if I won the next mega jackpot. What would you do if you had more money to spend than you could ever possibly need?
As the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to his young protégé Timothy, he provided some instructions to Timothy about how he should lead those who are considered “rich in the present age” (v.17). Notice that Paul’s instructions are to people about both what they should do and what they should not do with the abundance of their resources.
First, he tells them what not to do. To those who are considered wealthy, Paul tells them that they are to “not be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth” v.17). Have you ever met someone who loved to brag about how much money they have? Paul is telling us to not be that guy. Don’t boast or brag about how much you have. And while you’re at it, don’t put your trust or hope in your wealth either. Why? Because it can’t be trusted! Riches are uncertain. One bad decision or one unexpected turn in the markets, and it could all be gone just like that. It’s happened before to others.
So rather than boasting about or putting our trust in money, what should we do instead? According to Paul, we should put our hope in God. We need to remember that it is God “who richly provides us with all things to enjoy” (v.17). Everything that we have, whether a lot or a little, ultimately comes from Him. We have it because God has graciously given it to us.
Paul also tells us that we need to change our perspective on what true wealth actually looks like. He tells Timothy to “instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share” (v.18). The one who is truly rich in God’s eyes is not the one with the most money in his or her bank account. Insteadit’s the person whose life is devoted to doing what is good. It’s the person who is generous and is ready to share their resources with those who are in need. This is the person who is “storing up treasure for themselves” and who has taken “hold of what is truly life” (v.19).
Regardless of whether you consider yourself to be rich in this world, the more important question is this: What does it look like for you to be rich today in God’s eyes? What can you do to seek God’s kingdom first and to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth?
Prayer: Father, please guard my heart against greed and covetousness. Renew my mind and help me to take hold of that which is truly life. Help me to be generous and ready to share with those around me who are in need. Show me specifically how I can be rich in good works today. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
