Introduction
‘Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.’ James 1:9-11
In his first letter, Peter instructs us that God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble. He encourages us to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift us up in due time.
Paul asked Timothy to ‘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……’
The Holy Spirit does not condemn being rich, but frowns at us allowing riches to make us arrogant, or trust in uncertain riches. We need to understand that riches, just like any earthly treasure is fleeting. Also it is only the humble that finds favour in God who is the source of all good things.
In the above text, James tells us that the rich man will fade away in his pursuits. Due to the vain nature of riches, Paul instructed Timothy to ‘Command the rich to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share………..so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life’.
‘But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honour and might forever. Amen. 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 6:6-19
Prayer
O, Thou Fount of every blessing, thank You for all that have entrusted in our care. May we utilise them in a manner that is pleasing to You that we may be rich in good deeds. We ask in our Lord’s name.
