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
We looked at this last Wednesday - let’s consider Paul’s words again and mine it for another nugget. Here’s the part of this passage that surprised me, I’m still mulling it over.
Paul says those who are rich should put their hope in God (instead of in wealth), who richly provides us with everything. Ok, so far, nothing unexpected. Almost straight from the words of Jesus in His sermon on the mount. No, it’s the next few words that I’m wrestling with. For our enjoyment.
I wonder if you are like me. In that you just kind of have this suspicion that Christianity isn’t meant to be enjoyable. That actually, enjoyment is dangerous this side of the new creation. And there is reason for this view of things. Suffering and sacrifice are the hallmarks of the Christian life.
But does that mean there is no place for enjoyment? Well, no. In His grace, God has given us many good things for enjoyment. To be clear, there are some pleasures that remain forbidden fruits. Sex outside of marriage, illegal drugs and so on. However, much remains provided for our enjoyment.
So… you can enjoy good things. Good food. Good experiences. With good friends. Paul says God will provide these things for our enjoyment. But see this encouragement in it’s context.
We don’t need to rely on money or wealth for enjoyment. But on God. So many of the most enjoyable experiences of my life weren’t expensive. The Christian life can be deeply enjoyable while still being faithfully sacrificial.
For Today:
Pray:
1 Timothy 6:17-19
We looked at this last Wednesday - let’s consider Paul’s words again and mine it for another nugget. Here’s the part of this passage that surprised me, I’m still mulling it over.
Paul says those who are rich should put their hope in God (instead of in wealth), who richly provides us with everything. Ok, so far, nothing unexpected. Almost straight from the words of Jesus in His sermon on the mount. No, it’s the next few words that I’m wrestling with. For our enjoyment.
I wonder if you are like me. In that you just kind of have this suspicion that Christianity isn’t meant to be enjoyable. That actually, enjoyment is dangerous this side of the new creation. And there is reason for this view of things. Suffering and sacrifice are the hallmarks of the Christian life.
But does that mean there is no place for enjoyment? Well, no. In His grace, God has given us many good things for enjoyment. To be clear, there are some pleasures that remain forbidden fruits. Sex outside of marriage, illegal drugs and so on. However, much remains provided for our enjoyment.
So… you can enjoy good things. Good food. Good experiences. With good friends. Paul says God will provide these things for our enjoyment. But see this encouragement in it’s context.
We don’t need to rely on money or wealth for enjoyment. But on God. So many of the most enjoyable experiences of my life weren’t expensive. The Christian life can be deeply enjoyable while still being faithfully sacrificial.
For Today:
- Do you struggle with enjoyment in the Christian life? How?
- How are you going at being rich in good deeds?
- What is one way that you can trust in God to provide enjoyment today?
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He is the source of all joy.
- Give thanks for Jesus who joyfully shares His riches with us.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others enjoy life wisely.
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