Share the wealth

 

Timothy, the young pastor, faced many challenges in leading his fledgling congregation. One issue was especially troubling.  There was an obvious disparity of wealth among the members.  The Apostle Paul gives some great advice to this young pastor:

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. (1 Tim 6:17-19, NASB95)

 You can see that Paul has been greatly influenced by Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  When he says, “storing up for themselves the treasure…” it reminds us of Mt 6:19-21, where Jesus said:

 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Mt 6:19-21, NASB95)

 To the Christian, wealth can bring with it many problems.  Some may respond and say, “I wish I had those kinds of problems.”

 Paul reminds us that “those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Tim 6:9-10, NASB95)

 If you are reading carefully you will notice that I changed topics.  I went from wealth to something slightly different, the desire for and/or the love of money.  Desire for wealth is the real issue here.  Money itself is not evil, but the desire for money is evil.  Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Mt 6:24, NASB95)

I suppose we can conclude that when we seek financial success or security as a higher goal than seeking after the LORD, we are misguided.  This brings many heartaches and sorrow.  Our walk with God suffers as our spiritual condition disintegrates.  Jesus told us to stop worrying about material things and focus on the spiritual.

 “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Mt 6:31-33, NASB95)

 We are advised to pursue godliness with contentment.  The constant search for more is an endless maze of frustration.  Many get caught up in the bigger and better game.  The Scripture teaches us to be content with such things as we have.  There are just a few things that are ultimately important, and our heavenly Father promises to meet those basic needs.

 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. (1 Tim 6:6-8, NASB95)

1.  Are you rich?  That depends.  Different cultures and geographies have vastly different standards of wealth. So wealth is relative. Depending on the community, the church, or the schools your children attend, you may actually have more wealth than the average.  In that case, listen to what Scriptures says.

Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share (1 Tim 6:18, NASB95)

2. Be generous and ready to share.  Be alert to the needs of those around you.  Can you ease the suffering of others?  Are there special ways you can invest your time and your treasure in things that really matter- those things which are eternal- the souls of men and the Word of God.

3. How about the rest of us? We may not have as much to give, but we can still contribute to those around us.  We all can lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven.  We may not be able to take it with us, but we can send it on ahead.

Let's share the wealth.