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 6:19
“Timothy must seek to develop in the rich a sense of proportion. 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…
Perhaps the best commentary on this teaching is Jesus’ parable of the unjust steward or the shrewd manager [Luke 16:1-9]. He used his influence in the present to secure his future, and Jesus commended him for his prudence, though not for his dishonesty.
It is a question of perspective and of proportion. Which is the more valuable? Is it to be rich in this age or in the age to come? Is it to accumulate treasure on earth or in heaven? Is it to make a lot of money now or ‘take hold of the life that is truly life’?”
John R.W. Stott in The Message of 1 Timothy and Titus (TBST; Downers Grove: IVP, 1996) 162.
Yesterday’s post was called, “seek to develop,” and I entitled this one, “seek to develop…again,” because that’s the language of Stott in his commentary and the aim of my remarks in Omaha.
I seek to develop shrewd stewards who will be commended for their prudence, for choosing an eternal perspective, and for deciding to give proportionately.
Notice that the teachings of Jesus echoed by the Apostle Paul aim not at trying to rob us but help us take hold of something better and something lasting.
I appreciate your prayers for me as I speak twice today at the conference in Omaha, again invited by my friend Jon Wiebe at MB Foundation.