Rich and Satisfied
I need to get ba
ck on my “regular” routine, which includes more exercise than I have been getting. As I sat at breakfast with some seniors from Timberline Church today, I confessed that I need to exercise more and eat less. For me eating a normal meal schedule is more than what I have been used to for most of my life.
But today, it was spent in the company of some great people. After breakfast and an interlude for some office work, I met Gwen and Phyllis Kovac for lunch. I want the opportunity to celebrate Phyllis’______ birthday! Gwen and Phyllis were stellar supporters when I was in the hospital.
After a mid-afternoon errand, I was ready for a nap. Maybe I’ll hit the fitness center this evening.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…They think that religion is a way to become rich. Well, religion does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have.…For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil.” 1 Timothy 6:5-6,10 (GNB)
As I read these words of the Apostle Paul, I realized that the problem with seeking after wealth and contentment in life is an “age old problem.” For generations people have been looking for an opportunity to “get rich quick” to get ahead in life and to have more as a source of contentment and security.
But Paul put is plainly when he says, “What did we bring into the world? Nothing! What can we take out of the world? Nothing!” (1 Timothy 6:7) If Paul lived today, he might use the adage, “you have never seen a hearse drawing a U-Haul.”
In Paul’s day and even in ours, there are those who think serving God is a way to become rich. Then Paul puts a different perspective on “rich.” He basically says, “rich is being satisfied, content with what you have.” That is challenging in the “just-a-little-more” and “you-can-never-have-enough” world we live in. But when I consider those I have observed in some third-world countries, I see that they possess a sense of contentment that far outweighs anything we see in our country. Would they like to have more?…sure. Do they look at Americans as rich and indulgent?…why not? But they work hard and are faithful to their family and God…..and that Paul says, qualifies for being “rich.”
Paul observes that being rich has its challenges and seeking riches, can lead people to unethical and sinful behavior. Have you ever watched an episode of “American Greed.” This TV program documents the activities of individuals who put themselves above the law, ethical behavior and everyone else for the sake of financial gain. As the saying goes, “money is a great servant and a hard master.”
How do you keep money your servant. This is Paul’s advice to Timothy to pass on the those who are wealthy, “Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others.” (1 Timothy 6:17,18)
Paul offers Timothy and everyone this advice as the way to be, “rich and satisfied”…..
“Strive for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you when you firmly professed your faith…” (1 Timothy 6:11,12)
That’s not “investment” advice…but maybe it is; investing for eternity which is guidance for everyone.