- 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 treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
(Words from 1 Timothy 6:17–19.)
These words found in the Bible were penned by the apostle Paul to his pastor protégé Timothy. These were Paul’s charges to Timothy, to whom he would also say, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage, with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2). It was likely that Timothy had a timid natural disposition, which was reason why Paul also said to him: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7). To this Timothy then was given the words quoted before this paragraph.
According to Paul, the rich in this present world were to be commanded not to be arrogant or to put their hope in wealth. But who was Timothy to so command the rich people? Timothy likely did not have authority beyond his leadership role in the church. It makes sense then that the people to whom he was to instruct were people that came under the influence of the church, people who would listen to the church and who most likely were believers in Jesus Christ. Paul’s charge to Timothy shows us that Christians need to be reminded now and then of the way they ought to live — it is easy to lose sight of it in the busyness or idleness of everyday life.
The words indicate that it is possible for rich Christians to be arrogant and to trust wrongly in wealth. Paul contrasts between hoping in wealth, which according to him is very uncertain, and hoping in God, who according to him not only provides, but richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. There is no command here for the rich to give up their riches. Rather, it is admonishment to them to not trust in riches, but to trust in the God who blesses them.
Continuing on, the rich are to be commanded to do good and to be rich in good deeds. Further, they are commanded to be generous and to be willing to share. The question then is would the rich not have their wealth diminished by sharing, i.e. do they lose by giving? The consideration should be this: If it is God who richly provides everything for their enjoyment, could they not believe that God will continue to provide when they are generous and are sharing with those in need? This question strikes at the reality of God in their lives. Do they truly believe in God, because if they do, then they should have no worry about sharing from their wealth. If they had to hold on to their wealth for dear life, that is indicative that their trust in God is low, and they need to ask themselves if they truly believe in God. Further, there is no assurance that they could hold on to their wealth, because as Paul put it, wealth is so uncertain.
What do rich Christians gain by doing what was commanded in regard their attitude toward wealth? The answer provided by Paul was that they would lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age. The coming age suggests something future. It could be a coming age in their lifetime, and it could refer to time in heaven. Whichever it is (and it could be both), the promise is that they need have no worry because their giving lays up for them treasure, as a firm or solid foundation for the future. The firmness and solidity of the foundation is an important assurance. Knowing this allows them to take hold of life that is truly life.
It is interesting that one could live a life that is not truly life. How miserable it would be if at the end of one’s days, he or she thinks that the life that has been lived was not truly life. God can provide us the life that is truly life. Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). Why would anyone, rich or poor, give up or pass over a life that can be lived to the full, or that is truly life? What would that person trade such a life for? A life of worldly pursuits — of money, power and sensual pleasures — which on final analysis would amount to a life that is not truly life? This is the question before every person (which includes me and you), and one which we may defer giving an answer to, disregard or give an honest answer to.
The command to rich Christians is applicable not only to them but to all who have the opportunity to read it. Not all Christians are rich. Not all the rich are Christians. But all who take heed to these words place themselves in the path of God’s blessings. They will have all things for their enjoyment. They will lay up treasure for themselves for a secure future. They will take hold of the life that is truly life. Now, why wouldn’t anyone want that?