"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" (I Timothy 6:17)
A recent windfall and change of fortune gave way to their proud announcement, "We and our kids are set for life". In one household it was the sale of their family business to a wealthy investor that propelled them into millionaire status. The other was their child's new high paying job in a coveted corporation. Joyous news though it was it rang hollow in my ears because of the falsehood it was built upon. When our security is not in Jesus but in ourselves and what this world offers we are definitely not set for life.
The Bible teaches us to use our heavenly gifts for God's glory versus our own. The Father delights in our work when we do this with enthusiasm (Ephesians 6:7). But if striving for more cash in your bank account is what makes your soul complacent your spiritual depravity will one day impoverish you. Money is not evil, it's our view of what it represents and how we use it that can become corrupted.
The Lord knows we need money in this modern economy. But money can make us feel indestructible to hardship, proud, and if we are not careful we'll find ourselves indifferent to our need for God. We may become judgmental and less compassionate toward those less fortunate. Money does not make us set for eternal life. All the philanthropic works of our flesh will not gain us favor with God. We can never be good enough to earn our way into heaven! Only by grace through faith in Christ's sacrifice for our sins are we saved from hell. We are all born spiritually bankrupt sinners.
Do you want to be set for life? Pray to Jesus for forgiveness of your sins and thank Him for dying on the cross in your place. Invite His Holy Spirit to live in your heart and surrender your desires to Him. Praise God for the free gift of salvation that you now enjoy as His follower, and ask Him to equip you for serving Him with your talents and treasure (Hebrews 13:21). When your faith and hope is in Christ you are truly set for life! "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" (I Timothy 6:17)
Your fellow herald for Jesus,
Mary
