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
“The world ‘rich’ ties admonitions together with an elaborate wordplay. Those who are rich are warned to mistrust the uncertainty of riches, to rely instead on God who richly provides, and to be rich in good works… The concept of God as generous provider undergirds the author’s admonitions concerning the proper attitude toward, and use of, riches… The wealthy are to rid themselves of their reliance on them and to use God’s rich generosity to enable rich generosity of their own.”
Jouette M. Bassler in 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus (ANTC; Nashville: Abingdon, 1996), 119.
I am working on a paper I will deliver in Amsterdam at a conference later this month. I located this quote and really appreciated the idea that God’s generosity “undergirds” everything He asks us to do.
In plain terms, we can be generous and ready to share not because we have unlimited resources but because God is the Provider and not us. And we rid ourselves of reliance on money only through obedience.
It all boils down to the proper attitude. Will we see the money as belonging to God or us. Will see consider the provision as coming from our resources or His capacity. This attitude or mindset shapes everything.
If you get this, but know someone who may not understand it, ask yourself if you might be God’s person to share these powerful ideas with your children, grandchildren, or a friend.
Why? Today’s Scripture teaches us that when we grasp this, we take hold of the life that’s truly life. And as we noticed two days ago, if someone fails to understand this, a wrong view of money can ruin their lives.
It’s that important.