Admonitions for Those Who Are and Would Be Rich

The Apostle Paul closed his first letter to Timothy with an admonition for those among us who we might categorize as wealthy. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate [share]; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). This brief warning is filled with its own “riches”, not only for the wealthy, but for those who would aspire to be so. Let’s unpack a few of Paul’s inspired insights.

At the outset, he warns those that are rich against two things, a high-minded attitude and a misplaced trust in uncertain riches. High-minded in this context means proud. Someone has well stated that wealth invites us to think that we ourselves are more because we have more! Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it can be asserted with confidence that wealth does not make the man, but it does reveal what kind of man he is. Paul also reminds the wealthy that riches are fleeting and, consequently, not to be trusted. Anyone who tracks the stock market as a barometer of their wealth knows this. Further, the ebbs and flows of life give riches “wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:5). One day the bank account is full and the next day an unplanned car repair or an unexpected trip to the hospital empties it. Truly, riches are uncertain.

How much better to trust in the “living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy”! After all, the Scriptures teach that “every good gift cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). God has obligated himself to care for his child. He will not neglect us. He is too good to be unkind and too wise to make a mistake.

Paul lists some evidences or practices that would testify that one’s trust is in the living God. The first is that those who trust in God do good. Wealth is not a license for self-indulgence, but an opportunity to minister to others in their need. Here the emphasis is not on accumulating and consuming the uncertain riches of this life. Rather, the focus centers on being rich in good works, a new way to measure our wealth. The godly view to incorporate into our thinking is written by Paul in his letter to the Philippians. “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4). Integral to this mindset is the concept of generosity, being ready to distribute. What is meant by this phrase is not the amount, but the heart attitude behind the aid ministered. There is a spirit of charity that wants to help. The result is that he is willing to communicate (give). He gives whether it be time, energy, or wealth.

By following this pattern, the rich man lays up in store a good foundation against the time to come. Christ likewise exhorted his followers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Where are your riches?

Randy Livingston serves as a chaplain for a local police department. He writes devotionals for his ministry which also appear at his blog, From the Chaplain. We republish this post by permission.

Photo by Jingming Pan on Unsplash