Watching the squirrels gather and bury the walnuts in preparation for winter prompted me to consider how Christ followers should be living now in preparation for a future home in glory.
Paul told Timothy, “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches” but “to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future…” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
None of us is rich compared to someone like Elon Musk, but everyone reading this is “rich” compared to most people “in this present world.”
God’s children aren’t to “fix our hope” on riches that are fleeting, but on God”, who is faithful to richly supply us with all things to enjoy. Paul suggests how followers of Christ are to trust in the Lord.
“Wealthy” Christ followers are to “do good” by using their time and treasures for what is inherently beneficial to others and truly noble. Several folks in our church regularly call, visit, and pray for those who are struggling with physical injury or illness. Whether we are holding a door, mopping the floor, or running to the store for another, it’s truly a good work if it’s God’s work through us because of His work in us.
Believers demonstrate the same generous undeserved love towards others which God has directed towards us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). We loan our tools, help friends move, and watch each other’s children. “We love because He first loved us.” (1John 4:19)
Even in these challenging economic times, believers in Christ are to “be rich in good works” by abounding in the selfless and sacrificial use of our financial resources for the good needy widows (1 Timothy 5:4), our family (5:8), church leaders (5:17), and others.
When we’re tempted to “get all we can, can all we get, and sit on the can” financially, God calls His children “to be generous” in helping our church family (Acts 4:34-35), supporting a Christian ministry, or meeting needs in our community. Generous giving is a tangible way of fixing our hope on God and not money.
By giving we recognize God owns all we possess, we reflect God’s love for us, we rest in having less, and we rely upon the Lord to care for us.
The blessing of giving is in our maturing, alleviating other’s suffering, and investing in something that will pay eternal dividends in heaven (1 Timothy 6:19).
Where can we give generously for the greatest good of others, the glory of God, and the gain of His kingdom?