Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. [1 Timothy 6:17-19 NASB]
Earlier in this chapter, Paul said;
But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. [1 Timothy 6:9-10 NASB]
That is not a mandate that Christians must live in poverty. He acknowledges rich Christians in this passage, but with a warning. Jesus said;
“Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. “Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” [Matthew 19:23-24 NASB]
Rich Christians are warned to not be conceited, or proud of their riches. This a very current problem in modern America. I have heard preachers in the pulpit boasting of their investing skills, and bragging that they are a millionaire. I have had conversations with Christians who brag about their big house, and how their next house will be even bigger. The more "spiritually" minded put it in more religious terms, and talk about following the "investment principles of the Bible."
It's as if God didn't provide everything. They did everything by their own wisdom.
I have heard Christians say that they are not worried about the future, because they have money saved, and they can always sell off some properties if push comes to shove.
But we are supposed to place all of our trust in God. You should be able to lose everything that you have, and still be okay, because your trust is in Him.
I have been in that position, where I had nothing except debt. I was getting calls from creditors trying to squeeze a little blood from my turnip. I confess that I became discouraged; not knowing what to do. My wife and I prayed, and we determined that we would trust the Lord. Somehow, He saw us through. We paid our bills; we got out of debt; and although some of our meals were simple, we never went hungry.
Later in life, I became injured and lost my job with its income. By then, we had a mortgage and more bills and debts. I couldn't see how we could get by. But, having seen God's faithfulness in the past, I placed my trust in Him for the present, and once again, God made a way.
I have never been rich. Sometimes I have imagined what it might be like to have whatever I want, but that quickly passes. I know that I am blessed, because I trust in God alone. I don't have riches on earth. All of my riches are stored up for me in heaven.
Having warned about the hazards of wealth, Paul addresses the responsibility inherent in riches. He speaks of giving as a gift of the Spirit;
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality... [Romans 12:6-8 NASB]
God will provide some Christians with wealth. It is not for them to live a life of abandon and luxury, but so that they can give generously to those in need. Use your money to do good works. Remember where you got your money. It wasn't because you are so smart, or because you worked harder than anyone else. It's because the Lord has provided it.
God didn't provide your money because you are more holy or have more faith than anyone else. It was a gift of His grace.
The biggest problem I have with the prosperity preaching is the notion that faith and wealth go hand in hand. That was the teaching of the Pharisees.
Please understand; the poor person living in poverty has no more or less faith than anyone else. The rich person also has no more or less faith than anyone else. I would contend that the rich person is at greater risk of falling into temptation and walking away from the faith.
Turn your mind towards Jesus and trust in Him. If you are poor, you will see His hand of provision. If you are rich and trust in God instead of your money, then it will be easy to be generous, and to share freely.
God, I thank You that You are my provider. I know that whatever I have has come from You. Please direct me in the best use of my money. I pray that You will open my eyes to see a need, and give me the wisdom and generosity to give to that need.
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