«Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share» (l Timothy 6:17, 18, NIV).
WE HAVE SEEN that our love should not be of money, but of God. Hope cannot rest in uncertain and fickle riches, but in God.
The apostle says not to be arrogant, which can easily occur because of the influence or power provided by riches, leading to a high degree of self-reliance.
As we manage what God gives us, following the guidance of the living God, we recognize that God gives abundantly for us to enjoy. In human mathematics, to accumulate is to multiply; in God’s mathematics, to give is to multiply.
In all his letters the apostle presents two principles that make us faithful stewards before the Lord: faithfulness in returning tithes, and generosity in giving offerings.
John Rockefeller had already earned his first million dollars by the age of thirty-three, and at forty-three he had already built the largest known monopoly in those days: the Standard Oil Company. He was so obsessed with money that, a decade later, his health was seriously affected. He was the richest man in the world, earning two million dollars a week, but only two dollars was enough to buy what he could eat. He had the best possessions and amenities but could not sleep.
Then, he found himself at a crossroads: it was money or his life. He chose life. So, he started thinking more about people than things. He began donating millions of his fortune to alleviate suffering, he donated money to build churches, schools, and even the University of Chicago. The discovery of penicillin was also due to his contributions. At the age of fifty-three, he had a death sentence on his head, but he exchanged arrogance and greed for generosity and good health, He lived to the age of ninety-seven.
Faithfulness and generosity not always mean more money and a longer life, but they certainly bring peace, and sooner or later the fulfillment of God’s promises. Being generous does not mean giving what we have left over. It means giving what we may lack to meet the needs of the others.
God did not give what He had left over, but what was most precious to Him: His Son. «Heaven will pay for any loss we may suffer to gain it—but nothing can pay for the loss of heaven!» (Richard Baxter).
Reflect, pray, live with Jesus, and do good.
Be rich in good deeds, be generous and give.
This way you will build a good foundation for the future and will attain eternal life.
