Dec 13 Command the rich to be humble

21 Tim 6:17, Command ~~ those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.

Paul declared, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim 6:10).

Many pray for more wealth, but God, in His mercy, withholds it so wealth does not destroy them. Jesus warned us, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt 6:24).

Paul tells the wealthy to live biblically in handling the resources God gives, adopting a kingdom priority. He uses two infinitives as warnings. First, those who are “rich” in material goods (i.e., “to have in abundance of earthly possessions that exceed normal experience” or needs) should “stop being haughty” (or “high–minded, proud, arrogant and conceited”). One of the perspectives to keep in mind is this: “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Tim 6:7). The wealthy sometimes think that money indicates their personal value and see others as inferior: “The rich man is wise in his own eyes” (Prov 28:11). Instead, the rich should “be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” (Rom 12:16).

Second, the wealthy are warned not to be secure in their riches: “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven” (Prov 23:4–-5). Enormous wealth can disappear in a moment.

If you were to lose everything, how would you feel? If you cannot handle losing everything, your identity and trust might be misplaced.

“Lord, how easy it is to find security, or lack of it, in possessions and income and then experience disillusionment when our material goods are dissolved. Teach me to enjoy the little things and to humbly serve others.”

In order to practice this command today, I am going to . . .

For a year’s daily devotional of these Bible studies, order a copy of the book Truths to Live By at Branches Publications for your copy.

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