March 11, 2022 LIFE IN DEED
1 Timothy 6:17-19 “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 in deed.”
We must not overlook these scriptures because they are written to ‘those who are rich’ in this world. Two things; rich is a relevant term; and if you were to, visit Haiti, you would realize that you are rich. Also, those who are considered ‘poor’ by the standards of our society, can also be guilty of seeking riches. With that clarification, let us hear what this passage is saying to us. Obviously, there is a temptation for those who are rich to become conceited and to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches. Being rich or not being rich is not the issue; the issue is how one views the riches he has and how he uses the riches he has. There are those who are considered poor who love God and serve Him, and there are those who are considered rich that love God and serve Him. We must guard against be critical or envious of those who are rich. The point is that it is God who supplies us with all things to enjoy; we must not think that it is by our own prowess that we get what we get. (It is true that if we are diligent in our work and are wise, we will likely achieve some financial success-BUT it is nonetheless God who gives us the ability.) It is refreshing to know that God wants us to enjoy life. The key is-how do we enjoy life-where does the ‘joy’ come from; and what does enjoying life look like. In just a couple verses, Paul gives us the answer to what every person is seeking; the ‘secret’ to enjoying life no matter our financial status or our circumstances. This ‘secret’ to enjoying life sounds too simple-we say surely it is more complicated than that. If we find that we are merely living out of routine, not really enjoying life, there is a simple solution to our dilemma. Here it is-the secret: “do good, be rich in good works, be generous and ready to share.” As we get our focus off of ourselves and embrace this secret-actually do it-we will be taking hold of that which is life indeed. Man says to take care of yourself first; God says to be a blessing to others. Only when we live according to the ways of God will we experience life in deed.
Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interest of others.”
Proverbs 11:25 “Whoever brings blessings will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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