1 Tim. 6:17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
It is so easy for wealthy people to set their hopes on riches, but Paul tells Timothy that those riches are very uncertain. How true that is, as is evidenced by what is happening all around the world today. Many who were very rich yesterday have no money, or position, at all today.
Paul’s instruction is not to be haughty or puffed up, but instead to realize that all good things come from God, who richly provides us we everything we have, for our enjoyment; not our hoarding.
Paul further instructs the rich to do good, be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.
To “do good” would imply that they are thinking of more than just themselves.
“Rich in good works” extends that thought into the actual works, or actions, they are performing. Again, this requires for thinking of others, rather than just ourselves.
“Be generous and ready to share”, again requires thinking of the needs of others, not just our own needs.
If we cling to Christ with all we have, but then loosely hang onto what He has so generously given us, since it is His anyway, we are then treasuring up for ourselves a good foundation for the future, rather than gathering up things for this lifetime, that will soon pass away.
The Lord Gives and the Lord Takes Away, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord.
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