1 Timothy 6:17–19 (ESV) — 17 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. 18 They are to
do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 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.
NOTE: The "rich
of this present age" would be wealthy believers, since all believers have
a wondrous inheritance in the future age. Some people come to Christ rich, and
some do well professionally. There are three commands given to the rich. The
first is not to be haughty or proud. This is an easy trap to fall into where
one begins to think they are deserving of special treatment since they pay for
special treatment. I have seen it numerous times in first class on an airplane
(due to my frequent flying some years ago).
After a while, people begin to have an expectation of special treatment
that leads to a very strong pride and haughtiness. The second command is not to
put their hope on the uncertainty of riches. Our hope needs to be in Jesus and
not in our ability to fund our way out of problems. Regular prayer is a good
protection of our mind from falling into this trap. Last, the wealth of the
rich should be used for good works. Certainly, the rich ought to give far
beyond a tithe -- my personal opinion -- the scripture tells us that each one
must do as he has made up his mind to, not reluctantly or under compulsion. I
only know for myself that it would be the height of selfishness to restrict my
giving to a tithe. Certainly, the rich can do much better. I started a
"giving" savings account a while back to put extra funds so that I
can be able to respond to large needs. That money is God's and can only be used
for legitimate needs of the body. I believe the rich have a special
responsibility to use what God has given wisely, humbly, and secretively (to
not call attention to their selves -- and hopefully I did not violate that with
some raw comments about giving).
PRAYER: Father,
riches are fleeting. They are here today and gone tomorrow. There is no
guarantee. Job was wiped out almost instantly and he was the richest person in
the East at the time. I pray that those who are rich, would be most generous in
their good works. Protect them from pride and haughtiness. Give them a special
excitement as they use the funds given to them to expand the work of the
kingdom.
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