Storing for Eternity

“Charge the rich in this world that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, He offering to us richly all things to enjoy, that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to share, to be generous, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1Timothy 6:17-19)

Ephesus was an affluent city and was known as the “mother city” of Asia. There were many rich people where Timothy was ministering, and it makes sense that many of them turned to Jesus when they heard the Gospel. Paul instructs Timothy to command the rich two things: not to be high-minded and not to trust in uncertain riches but in God.

What did Paul mean by the word high-minded. The Greek word that Paul used was a combination of two words which mean lofty, esteeming self as above others and being arrogant. This is a weakness and tendency of the rich. This attitude is so contrary to the character of a Christian. Paul was concerned it would be a hinderance in their growth to becoming more like Jesus.

Over and over Jesus set forth the principle that seeking the kingdom of God was to be the priority of believers. (Matthew 6:33) God’s wisdom tells us that being overly concerned with having riches and possessions is a hinderance to spiritual priorities. Whether one has all the money in the world or no money at all, both can be a hindrance. When one has money, he is concerned about keeping it. When one doesn’t have money, he is concerned about getting it. Both are preoccupied with money and both are hindered spiritually. But Paul calls riches uncertain. In this world nothing is certain, especially riches. It can be “here one day, gone another.”  That’s why those who have riches are so preoccupied with keeping it. It can be gone in an instant in one bad purchase, in one bad investment or in one bad decision.

Our trust should be on the living God. It’s He Who gives to us richly all things to enjoy. It’s good that Paul included the phrase to enjoy. The things God gives us bring enjoyment. They are not troublesome, a burden or a worry. The Lord would never give us something that would hurt us, hinder us or cause us any anxiety. He is a Good God and He is a Good Father. The things the Lord gives us are good for us, physically, mentally or emotionally. The Lord would never give us something that would be a burden financially.

The Lord gives to us generously to enjoy. But they are not solely for us. They are for accomplishing God’s will. We are to do good with the things the Lord gives us. How is this God’s will. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Doing good works glorifies our Heavenly Father. We must be willing to share what we have. The Lord always blesses abundantly and gives us more than we need. The overage is to be a blessing for others. “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) The Apostle John was more adamant about giving of our blessings. “But whoever has this world's goods and sees his brother having need, and shuts up his bowels from him, how does the love of God dwell in him?” (1John 3:17) Giving and sharing are characteristics of love. If the love of God dwells in us, we wouldn’t hesitate to be generous with what we have. We may have riches, but riches should have no hold on us if we belong to Jesus.

Many who are rich hoard their riches in all kinds of investments and tax dodges, even if legal it’s prioritizing things that are valued in the world. What about savings? What about saving for a rainy day? We can see where the trust is. Is it in God? Or, is it in those riches or savings? We can get legalistic here. But no need to. The Lord doesn’t want us to be foolish. It’s the condition of the heart here that is important. It’s where we are placing our trust. Things in this world are so unstable. God wants us to be wise and to make provision for the inevitable. It’s trusting God that He’s provided for the inevitable. Paul gives us another perspective. Sharing and giving generously is like storing for the inevitable in this world. And it builds our spiritual life for eternity to come.

In short, the lesson for us from what Paul told Timothy about having an abundance is to share generously. It’s like storing riches for the inevitable in this world and building a good spiritual foundation for eternity.