July 31
How to be Rich
1 Timothy 6:17-19

We mentioned already the dangers of craving to be rich and the importance of being content with the basics.  Here he says what to tell those who are rich (He is not against a person being rich; it’s the attitude of the heart He cares about).

He says for those who are rich not to do two things:

1. Be highminded, (arrogant, proud).
2. Trust in the uncertainty of riches.

Arrogance according to the American Heritage Dictionary is to be "overly convinced of one’s own importance."  Just because a person has money doesn’t make him/her more important or better than anyone else (You might want to read that sentence again!).  The church needs to remember that!

Money, compared to the Word of God is unstable and uncertain.  You can’t trust in it.  Not only is it unstable but if you put more trust in it than in God you have an idol.

He tells those who are rich to do five things:

1. Trust in the Living God.
2. Do good.
3. Be rich in good works.
4. Be ready to distribute, (Amplified says, "liberal and generous-hearted").
5. Be willing to communicate, (Amplified says, ready to share "with others").

Notice he says to trust in the Living God, "who gives us richly all things to enjoy."  God gives us richly all things to enjoy!  God wants us to have nice things and to enjoy them.  He just wants us to be aware of the dangers and not get caught up in coveting and arrogance.

Confession:

Whether I am rich or not, I will not be arrogant or trust in the uncertainty of riches.  I trust in God who gives me richly all things to enjoy.  I determine to do good and to be liberal and to be ready to share what He gives me.