"Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, 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, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed" (1 Tim. 6:17-19, all quotes from NASV). What does this text say about our things?
They are from God. Some receive them as gifts or an inheritance. Some win them. Most of us work long and hard to accumulate them over time. And when we do, we might feel pretty good about ourselves for what we have accomplished. The preacher acknowledged that there is a valid joy in what one has worked for (Eccl. 2:24). He also reminded us that it is not merely the fruit of our labor; it is the gift of God (3:13). "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above..." (James 1:17).
They are to be enjoyed. So says our text. "God... richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." God intends our things to make life more pleasant. They can do that, but only when we use them properly, only when we keep them in perspective.
They are uncertain. Better not get too attached to them. They depreciate, rust, tarnish, wear out, break, get lost, get eaten, get stolen, become obsolete, blow up, blow away, burn up... too long a list to put much confidence in them.
They make us conceited. Conceited toward our fellow man who has less. Is he lazy or just less brilliant or skilled than I? Conceit toward God is also a problem. When we forget that it is God who endowed us with whatever we have to work with, who gives us opportunity and who blesses the work of our hands, we develop a sense of self-sufficiency. It has always been a tendency of prosperous people to forget God. Watch yourself (Deut. 6:12).
They are to be shared. Is sharing easier when you have more or less? Neither. It is a matter of the heart, not things. That is where generosity begins. So, we convince ourselves we are ready to share, all the while clinging to Paul's statement that "if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have" (2 Cor. 8:12). And since "things" are a little tight this month, we'll have to pass on this opportunity to share. Folks, if we never get around to giving, or give only token, painless amounts, is it possible we are self-deceived about our readiness?
They are not life. Out text contrasts them with "life indeed." Remember the words of Jesus: "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions" (Luke 12:15).
- The Manslick Road Speaker, Oct. 1999