Command those who are rich...

I want to continue along the same theme as my last post, but let’s look in the New Testament this time. I want to remind you of an earlier post.  These messages are to me as well as to you.  God did not choose me to be His messenger because I have everything in my life in perfect allignment with His Word.

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.  In this way they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.  (1Ti 6:17-19)

First off, notice that this is a command, not an option. We need to get rid of the arrogance that often comes with wealth.  It is God who provides, and God can take it away at any time.

God provides us everything for our enjoyment.  Many would like to stop reading at this point.  Yes, it is true that wealth itself is not wrong, and that God delights when we are delighted with what He has given us.  We are certainly allowed to enjoy the blessings God has provided – with thanksgiving to the Provider.

The Scripture does not stop at enjoying our blessings.  We are commanded to do good, lots of good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  So what constitutes generous?  I think the best way to address that question is to examine the gap between the luxury we enjoy and what most of the rest of the world experiences.  One who is “generous” makes a sacrificial effort to close that gap. 

PLease follow the link to see what far too many people in our world are facing every day.  Make a decision TODAY to make some change that will close the gap in a generous way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcRSCynTsWc