Paul wrote to Timothy about the danger of the love of money and added a special “charge” for Timothy to give the rich (see below). We may not think this charge applies to us, but it does. After all, our standard of living today would certainly make us “rich” in the eyes of Timothy’s congregation!

If wealth makes a person proud, he understands neither himself nor his wealth. “But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). We are not owners; we are stewards. If we have wealth, it is by the goodness of God and not because of any special merits on our part. The possessing of material wealth ought to humble a person and cause him to glorify God, not himself.

It is possible to be rich here and be poor in the next world. It is also possible to be poor in this world and rich in the next. Jesus talked about both. But if a believer is rich in this world, he can also be rich in the next, if he uses what he has to honor God. And a person who is poor in this world can use even his limited means to glorify God, thereby discovering great reward in the next world.

Paul instructed: “Change them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded; nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Also read: Luke 16:19-31 and Matthew 6:19-34.

Action assignment: Search your heart and determine how well you are following the charge Timothy was instructed to give to the rich. List ways you can use money to glorify God.

Warren Wiersbe
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