Tag: Luke 12:48
Instructing the rich!
Scripture reading for October 1: 1 Timothy 6
“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, this storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.” 1 Timothy 6:17-21
It is easy for those that are blessed with financial and material riches to become proud and aloof from those of more humble means. The rich don’t have the worries or concerns of those that have to work each day to provide food and necessities. But God loves rich people too and wants them to view their riches as a gift from Him, which they actually are. To those who have been given much, much will be required. (Luke 12:48) God has given riches to those He chooses as a test of their character and to build their character. We are to gratefully acknowledge that and enjoy and steward what He provides.
Rich people were instructed to be generous and ready to share and to do ‘good works’. They were not to be greedy and clutch their riches tightly for greed is idolatry. This was Satan’s trap for many rich people or people aspiring to become rich. Paul instructed the rich that as they gave to help God’s work, they would change their worldly riches into eternal riches. Their present life would also be transformed as they would find joy and peace in giving. Jesus has said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Paul had used this saying of Jesus to promote working hard and having money to give to help the weak and hurting. Paul wanted the rich to avoid the traps of pride, slack living, and falling away from a dependence on Jesus to self-sufficiency and no need of faith. Paul practiced these truths, looking forward to eternity.
How would you evaluate your own world view in regard to riches and material things? By the world’s standards, would you consider yourself ‘rich’? (About 80% of the world live on less than ten dollars a day.) What are some ‘good works’ that you might do to lay up eternal riches?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for blessing me and my family with an abundance of material things and for meeting all our needs. You are all we really need! Help me to see the ‘good works’ that would further Your kingdom and transform the worldly riches into eternal riches through souls won to Jesus! Amen!