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
“Wealth is often associated with power. A study comprising five laboratory experiments found that when people were put in situations where they felt powerful, they spent more money on themselves than on others. The converse was also true: When participants felt powerless, they spent more money on others. This result occurred despite the fact that both people made to feel more powerful and those made to feel more powerless felt happier when they gave to others.
In their discussion, the researchers offered an interesting theory connecting these findings: Poor and/or less powerful people might be more willing to accept their life circumstances if they believe that wealthier and/or more powerful people are less happy, and this could drive them to spend a higher proportion of their incomes on others. The result would be a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts, as increased giving likely would lead poorer people to be happier than stingier wealthy people.”
Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.
If we start today by reading the words of the Apostle Paul to the rich, it must be noted that he employs the strongest possible language.
The rich are commanded to enjoy and share God’s material blessings in order to take hold of life.
Then when we move to the research we see why. Holding on to wealth leads us to feel powerful which results in stinginess instead of sharing.
Again, the research demonstrates that Paul (echoing Jesus) is not try to rob us, but rather, help us.
The only way to grasp the life God designed for us here on earth is to enjoy and share the spiritual and material blessings from God.
I praise the LORD that this message is resonating with the groups I am engaging in Cayman Islands.
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