1 Timothy chapter 6: verses 17-19 (NIV)
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. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Philippians Chapter 4: Verses 11 -12 (NIV)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I was struck in these verses in Timothy of the different ways Paul defines what it means to be rich. There are different definitions also given in dictionaries which reflect what Paul was teaching Timothy.
1. Having a great deal of money or assets; wealthy.
2. Existing in plentiful quantities; abundant.
(Oxford Languages Dictionary)
Paul reminds Timothy that putting our hopes into material things can be so uncertain. That has never changed. We’ve all seen the small print when we have invested, even in a modest manner in ISA’s or stocks and shares telling us that the value of our investment can go down as well as up, and we.ve all seen the news when there is any volatility in the financial markets.
God’s riches, however, never diminish, and He is generous in His giving. The other thing that is worth highlighting to people who think that God is too severe, is the fact that Paul tells Timothy that God provides for our enjoyment. He really does want what’s best for us, no matter what people who have the wrong idea about Him think.
The kind of rich He wants us to be fits in with the second definition I found. To be generous in doing good deeds, and willing to share. When we take the time to do a good deed, we have all experienced how it makes us feel. So then, the person on the receiving end is blessed but equally, so is the giver. I think that’s what Paul meant when he said we can take hold of life that is truly life. And its certainly not in the accumulation of stuff which we leave behind us when we die.
A good number of years ago there was a programme that ran for several series on Channel 4 called “the Secret Millionaire” which followed a millionaire with their identity hidden working as a volunteer in different charitable organisations, usually small ones. At the end of the prescribed period, they would admit who they really were and make a significant donation to the charity, which usually made a significant difference. The important thing was that the programme returned to the charity and the individual some time later and most of the time found the person had continued to spend time as a volunteer or as a trustee for the charity. Both had gained and benefitted. Funnily enough I saw an advert last night on Channel 5 for a programme airing tonight called “rich house. poor house where two families swap homes and lifestyles. From the advert I saw, it looks like the wealthy families did something similar for those less well off. Perhaps I’ll check it out tonight just out of curiosity.
Paul himself said he had learned to be content whether in wealth or in need. He had learned that his priorities came from seeking God. That’s why he could say to Timothy in subsequent verses that “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Contentment is a rich treasure that many wish they had, but they are not looking for it in the right place.
Dear Lord,
How blessed we really are that You provide everything we need for real enjoyment. Help me to rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share so that I can continue to know the true contentment that is found in You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.