INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE RICH

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE RICH

1 Timothy 6:17-18 offers divine instructions for the wealthy people among us. When your season of material wealth arrives, if it hasn’t already, this passage is telling you to do the following four things:

A. Be generous and willing to share. Generous people are synergistic. They build organizations and contribute to the success of others. Think about it: who wants to do business with someone who only takes? Peter called his friends when he caught great multitude of fishes.

B. Be rich in good deeds. A good deed is a free and voluntary act of service toward another person. Doing good deeds for others is the fruit of your salvation in Jesus Christ. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” - Ephesians 2:10.

C. Don’t become big-headed. Work hard and become successful in life but don’t think of yourself as better than others because of your material wealth. Moses reminds us, “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day” – Deuteronomy 8:18.

D. Don’t put your expectation in your wealth. A good job or business and its steady earnings can be here today and gone tomorrow. “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” - Proverbs 23:5.

After being humiliated by the power that be, one of the most influential persons in the world today recently said, "If wealth is the secret to happiness, then the rich should be dancing in the street.” But only poor kids do that. If power ensures security, then officials should walk unguarded. But those who live simply sleep soundly. If beauty and fame bring ideal relationships, then celebrities should have the best marriages. Live simply. Walk humbly and always be thankful to God." May we know that only in God can we all have our fullness.

Word Affirmation: “But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble." - Psalm 59:16 (Don't just say it, mean it!)

“When it comes to riches and wealthy by any standard, look up to God. He is the perfect Being to look up to.”

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