“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:17-18 (NIV)
Most of us would probably never consider ourselves as rich in this present world. And probably, we would loudly add our “amen” to Paul’s instruction to Pastor Timothy. Yet, we American believers are by far richer than two-thirds of the world’s population. It would be wisdom to consider that rich is an attitude, a state of mind. To be or not to be that is the issue.
Seriously, no matter how large or small our estate, we cannot ignore Paul’s instructions to Pastor Timothy. Arrogance is about ego and ego is about how one sees oneself relative to others. Hope is about where we place our trust and confidence. And Paul instructs Pastor Timothy to “command” his congregation to place their hope in God and not in uncertain material possessions. They should do such good that they would be considered rich in good deeds. They should be generous in their doing good deeds. They should be generous to the fault of sharing their material blessings with others.
The skeptic and miser would cry, “But why?” And Pastor Timothy’s reply should be: “Because God generously and richly provides us with everything.” And He provides for us in such a rich manner in order that we might enjoy His blessings. Now, if we are enjoying His rich provisions, why then refuse to be generous and willing to share? God is generous to us and our needs. In our joy and gratitude let us be generous in our good deeds and sharing.
Dear Father, thank you for your generosity in providing everything we need and more. Enable us to possess and exhibit a generous spirit. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the practice of generosity,