Wisdom Wednesday

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. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 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

There are a number of stunning little pieces of wisdom in what are some of Paul’s final words in his first letter to Timothy. So much so, that it might take a few Wednesdays to unpack.

Let’s begin with the first piece in verse 17.

Here’s a question. Should Christian’s ever be wealthy? Many across history have perhaps read the first few chapters of Acts and assumed that all Christians should sell everything they own and give it to the poor or something like that. And that does seem to be a common thread in the early moments of the New Covenant Church.

However, what is often forgotten is that many of the first Churches began to meet in large houses (they didn’t yet have access to buildings bigger than a house). Who owned those houses? Christians!

No, it’s not that Christians can’t be wealthy, it’s how they should view their wealth. Today, many people see wealth in terms of hope. Wealth brings opportunities in life (particularly for our children), it brings experiences (travel etc.), it brings security (e.g. housing) and finally, it brings pleasures (e.g. takeaway food).

One of the tricky things of the modern age is that wealth is far more certain than it used to be. In Paul’s time, money could so easily be lost or stolen, and there was no such thing as insurance.

But money remains uncertain. In that it still cannot guarantee happiness, or opportunity or long-lasting pleasure. It can’t guarantee that your experiences will be good.

Have you experienced this? Did you ever spend a bunch of money on something and it turned out to be a waste? Have you ever had buyer regret? Or a terrible dinner at an expensive restaurant?

Let’s remember today - money is not our best hope for long-lasting joy. Let’s stop there for now. More pieces of wisdom from Paul next Wednesday.

For Today:

• When was one time you put your hope in something money could buy?
• Has money always provided you pleasure?
• Reflect on the uncertain nature of money today.

 
Pray:

• Praise the Father that He is the true source of everlasting joy.
• Give thanks for Jesus who shows us the truth about our need for money.
• Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others to flee putting hope in money.