Saturday, May 24, 2008
1 Timothy 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
CONTENT WITH TRUE RICHES
Well now, these words aren't meant for us, are they? After all, we aren't rich. We aren't "rolling in dough." These words are for others, right? No. Don't imagine these words have no application to you. For Paul begins: "having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (v. 6).
Notice that the Apostle Paul doesn't name a gross taxable income. There is no dollar figure or social class because those who have more than food and clothing, more than the things they need to live, are to a greater or lesser degree rich. We have all been blessed with more than we need. That is a fact. We have been given many and varied gifts by our loving God to enjoy and to use to His Glory. So the Lord warns us: 1) Don't be proud of your possessions, be thankful. 2) Don't trust in possessions, but in the living God who gives them.
If your treasure is in heaven, then you can be content no matter what your earthly wealth. If we sit at the feet of the Lord Jesus and listen to Him speak in His Word, then we will find our priorities change. We will look for every opportunity to seek first the Kingdom of God, to bring the Gospel of Christ to men that they be made partakers of His Kingdom with us. We will be led to confess our sin -- that we have often been sidetracked from the work He has given us by our desire to gain more for ourselves. We will be led to a more open relationship with the Lord Himself, an active prayer life, and better relationships with our fellow Christians.
Jesus, our Treasure, has promised that He will give us what we need to live on this earth. To some He gives much, to others little, to all He gives Himself. Let us remind ourselves daily that we need Jesus more than anything else.
Jesus, priceless Treasure, Fount of purest pleasure,
Truest Friend to me.
Ah, how long in anguish Shall my spirit languish,
Yearning, Lord, for Thee?
Thou art mine, O Lamb divine!
I will suffer naught to hide Thee, Naught I ask beside Thee.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 347:1)
