SCRIPTURE:
“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
OBSERVATION:
As I ponder history, I realize that we in this day and age are blessed with wealth monetarily, and in possession compared to perhaps people in yesteryear. As opposed to our ancestors, we live in a time where you can gain money and wealth on credit, at least for a period of time. Thus, we are blessed to live in a better financial era. We are also blessed to have the means to realize gain even if we haven’t yet earned it. The concern is two-fold. First, as we take note of the economic times, and the recent increase in bankruptcies and foreclosures, we realize that it is so easy to lose our possessions and wealth in these tough economic times; especially if we are living on credit. Second, it is so easy to let finances and possession begin to change our character, morals, and call on our life. Paul’s charge to Timothy is so relevant to our current economic times and our lives in that we can get caught up in concern, fear and stressing over finances; or we can focus on the call and God’s plan for lives, thereby putting God first who will in return open up the heavens to bestow the miracles of provision if we are faithful and place our faith in Him. In getting back to the basics, as we put our faith and hope in Him doing good deeds and laying up our treasures in Him, we can be expectant that He will be faithful in providing for us … and as the scriptures states, that is “life that is truly life.”
APPLICATION:
As a pastor and father of a household, I can’t help but ponder what the future holds financially, planning, and preparing; but being reminded by these scriptures not to let the economic times and forecasts take my eyes, assignment and faith off of God. He knows the beginning to the end. He also knows His plan for my family and the church. I need to do what He calls me to do and not get in His way of allowing the lessons and miracles to take place. If I worry less about potential riches or losing riches, but rather to be rich in good deeds, I know that I will be laying up treasures in heaven and being a treasure to others; for doing good deeds is bestowing treasures on others. I also need to be careful not to take matters into my own hands, which is a tendency of mine. I cannot to let seeking of the end, to justify the means, and therefore compromise my character and principles to make things happen. My corporate nature often prompts me to conserve and cut, rather than to look for ways to expand and capitalize even in tough economic times. How will I know on the right path and decision-making? Answer: How much time I spend with the Lord, in His word and in prayer.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, in these economic times, thank you for reminding me and guiding me to look to your plan in placing my efforts and endeavors in seeking your will, and doing good works to lay up things for your kingdom in heaven. I know then that being in your will, I will reap all that you have in store for me here on earth, even if it isn’t monetarily or in possessions; but in a growth of character, heart and satisfaction in blessing others.
