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| January 8, 2001 |
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| "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they may be not highminded, 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." 1Timothy 6:17-19 Paul charged waelthy believers not to be proud and look down on those who were not rich; to confide in God rather than unstable riches; "to be rich in good works" by generously sharing their surplus of financial resources with the needy. To be "ready to distribute" is to be generous in sharing. To be "willing to communicate" is to be liberal in giving. When wealthy believers generously share, they secure an assurance ("laying up in store for themselves a good fortune") that in the future ("against the time to come") they will undeed enter heaven ("lay hold on eternal life"). Salvation is not purchased by the giving of money, but generosity demonstrates the reality of one's faith. Since the believer trusts God and not money, he gives. This giving shows where his heart is and that he views his wealth in light of eternity. God Bless You. What the heart has once owned and had, it shall never lose. ~Henry Ward Beecher |