THE VERSE
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.~1 Timothy 6:17
THE THOUGHT
It is so easy for us as prosperous Americans to slip into the mentality warned against here. Even if we don't live in the biggest home on the block, the reality is that we are obscenely rich compared to most of the rest of the world, and therefore easily fit into the category of "rich" that Paul is warning against here.There are three things to notice in this warning. First, material wealth lasts only for "this present age." All the riches in the world do not profit in the day of wrath, for "what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" Rather, the riches that endure eternally are the blood-bought, Holy Spirit-sanctified works of a believer serving God- "storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future," as Paul goes on to say. Don't work for the crown of retirement, or a bigger house, or nicer car, or more security. Instead, "take hold of that which is truly life," and work for the crown that never perishes.
Second, riches are uncertain. It is always a temptation to trust in our bank account, or our job, or our 401(K). But that is pride, Paul warns us, and is ultimately building on an uncertain foundation. But, thirdly, God wants to assure us that He is a firm foundation to build our lives on. Instead of setting our hopes on the uncertainty of riches, we should set our hopes on God. Every day of prosperity we are called to look past the gifts and rejoice in the Giver. And in every day of affliction, we are called to trust that we have a Rock that never moves, a foundation that never wavers, and a King who has promised to "withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly."
THE PRAYER
Father, Give me faith to look past the gifts to You, the Giver. Help me, by Your Holy Spirit, to set my hope on You, my Provider and Sustainer and Savior. You have given me everything I need and have promised to be faithful. Forgive me for so quickly turning from You to trust myself and my own resources. Thank you for Jesus, who perfectly trusted You in my place, and for the glory of His name, help me to obey You more completely.EXTENDED READING
1 Timothy 6:17-19Luke 12:13-34
Psalm 84:5-12
THE QUOTE
"It is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy." ~Anonymous
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