1 Timothy 6:17 – 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. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 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. (NIV)
The story is told of two friends who happened to meet by chance while walking through their city. One man was visibly shaken, so the other man asked him what was wrong. He replied: “Three weeks ago I received notice from the bank that there was an error in my savings, and they credited me $10,000. Then, two weeks ago my uncle died and left me $250,000. Last week I won a million dollars in the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes.” His friend asked him, “That’s unbelievable! So, why are you so downcast today?” He answered, “Because this week – nothing!”
Isn’t that how we are sometimes? Perhaps not with those amounts, but sometimes we do get spoiled by the relative ease in which we live.
In the scripture reading for today, the Apostle Paul was telling young Timothy to tell the rich people in his church not to live in such a way that their hope was tied to their wealth, but instead put their hope in God. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is good for us to reflect upon this passage. Yes, we are very fortunate to be rich in this present world, but how much better to be rich in good deeds!
Don’t mistake being generous with somehow earning one’s salvation. The point Paul is making is that our generosity is a response to our salvation, and it models the love of God.
Because we have lived our lives in this culture of wealth, we more often than not do not realize just how wealthy we are. Below is a link to an interesting website. It compares your wealth to the rest of the world. Give it a try, you may be surprised!
As you celebrate Thanksgiving this week, give thanks to God for the hope of eternal life, and then be generous!
Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by Ramón Torres
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