“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.”
1 Timothy 6:17 NKJV
Jesus once told a parable about a rich fool. In the parable, a wealthy man had a fertile field and an abundant harvest. However, he didn’t have enough room to store it.
He decided to build bigger barns to keep it all, reasoning that it would sustain him to live in ease and comfort for many years. Much to his surprise, God said to him, “You fool! Your life is required of you tonight. Who will get to enjoy what you have?” (Luke 12:16-20)
In this parable, Jesus emphasised the futility of a man’s trust in riches. He made it clear that even if you gather wealth in excess here on earth, you will not always be here to spend it. Therefore, it is not wise to be proud or be confident in your wealth.
As we read yesterday, Jesus told a rich young ruler to sell all he had and follow him. However, the Bible confirms to us that he couldn’t because he had great possessions. This man trusted more in his riches than in the Son of God (Mark 10:17-27).
A key lesson to take away from Jesus’ parables is that money is unreliable. You cannot afford to put your confidence in it. Jesus further compels His disciples, and us by extension, to invest in eternity through our giving.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV
Dear believer, merely amassing wealth is not God’s will for the believer, rather we’re called to sponsor God’s cause. Investing in eternity will involve giving to further the cause of the gospel and helping the needy around us.
The wisest way to use money here on earth is for pursuits with eternal values. Apostle Paul charged the wealthy people in the church, in his epistle to Timothy, not to trust in their riches.
“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19 NKJV
The Biblical instruction is to be generous. This will help guard your heart against greed and the love of money. Finally, remember that all you have comes from God, therefore, steward your finances with this mindset. Nothing should be too much to give back to Him.
Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 7:11-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalms 123-124, 1 Chronicles 1-2