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. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Many no doubt think that true life is experienced in the acquisition and selfish use of material possessions. Here the opposite is said: true life is experienced in the generous sharing of our possessions. We grasp the life that really is life by acting in tune with the character and will of God. To be truly alive is to be like God; as He generously provides humans with all things for their enjoyment, so we are most truly alive when we act in the same way.”
Graham Simpson in The Pastoral Epistles, 1-2 Timothy, Titus: An Exegetical and Contextual Commentary (India Commentary on the New Testament; Minneapolis: Fortress, 2017) 120.
Simpson has taught New Testament in India since 1977. He articulates a powerful biblical idea from India which is particularly relevant in the States during this season.
The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday. Already the marketers have started to bombard us with messages that life is found in buying all the things they have to offer at the lowest prices.
Don’t tune to their messages or your life will be off key. If you want to be most truly alive, act in tune with the character of God. Imagine instruments tuning for a Christmas concert.
Tune yourself to the character and will of God and take hold of abundant life. He will lead you to a place of enjoyment and sharing that you never dreamed imaginable rooted in His faithful provision.
Want to practice. GTP invites you to join our work in South Asia. To help us strengthen stewards and set up a peer accountability group in Nepal, make a gift to the South Asia campaign. It’s at $205 toward a goal of $1000.