To the Wealthy

As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, ¹⁹thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.  1 Timothy 6:17-19

Most likely you are, like me, are not rich.  But by worldly standards if you own a car, have indoor plumbing, food each day, and a roof over your head you are in fact rich compared to others in the world.  So this scripture is important to understand for we who have been given much.  The spiritual issue of wealth and possessions centers around ownership.  If we understand that God has created everything and given us all that we have--that God is in a sense the owner of all creation--then we rightly understand ourselves as stewards of God's gifts.  A steward is a caretaker of another's property.  A steward is deeply committed to ensure that the goods in their possession are cared for and used properly.  A biblical understanding of money and possessions starts here.  We have been given much to care for, but how we use it should reflect God's values.  It matters to God how we spend our money.  It matters to God how we use our time.  It matters to God how we employ our God-given gifts and talents.  We must continually remember that God is the owner and we are to be good stewards.  With this clear understanding the call to be generous flows naturally.  In a world where there is a great inequality and a deep and growing chasm between the wealthy and the poor, what is the response of people of faith?  1 Timothy suggests that being generous not only honors God, but unlocks for the wealthy "the life that really is life."  When we become more and more generous with what we have, we discover the divine joy of giving.