[1 Timothy 6:17-19 KJV] “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; [18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; [19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life”.
The Holy Scriptures warn us against the love of money and covetousness, and not against money, wealth, and riches itself. The Lord is clear on the fact that some are rich but others are poor. The Scriptures, however, teaches how those who are rich in this world may relate to money, wealth, and riches. Our Lord Jesus Christ in Mark 4, teaches that many are unable to bear fruits because their faith is choked by the deceitfulness of riches.
Key truths that all those who are rich in this world must know and remember is the fact;
- Riches is uncertain. Riches does not endure forever, hence the need to not trust in it.
- It is God who gives us all things to enjoy
It is in this light that the Holy Scriptures teach that those who are rich in this world should not to be high-minded nor trust in uncertain riches. Rather, they should trust in God who gives us all things to enjoy. And it says all those who are rich in this life should;
- Do good
- Be rich in good works
- Be ready to distribute to the poor and needy
- Be willing to give to the church; to communicate.
The Bible is telling us that, by so doing, they will lay up for themselves a good foundation against the time to come and be able to lay hold on eternal life. It is important to note that there is a difference between doing good and being rich in good works, just as there is a difference between being ready to distribute and being willing to communicate.
To do good is to show kindness, to treat people well, respecting those who may not have any honour, loving the unlovable. But to be rich in good works is firstly to do acts of kindness according with faith, and secondly, doing it so many times until you abound in it.
To distribute is to give to the poor and needy, but to communicate is to give to the church and to your apostle in mission. The rich in this world must be rather generous to the needy and poor, and faithful with the church and those who feed them spiritually.
We know that the poor cannot pay for the preaching of the gospel; the rich must support. But they must do it willingly and not under coercion. The rich must give with simplicity.
I pray and trust that this wisdom shall guide you. As the Lord prospers you, you shall never be high minded and trust in uncertain riches. I pray that your trust shall always be in God who gives us all things to enjoy. I love you!
Stay blessed;
Noah Simpe Bediako
