Theme of the Week: Stewardship
Bible Verse: Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 1 Timothy 6:17-18
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:1-21
“Are you renting or buying?”
That question has caused me much dread for the past several years. Living in the middle of Canada’s hottest real estate market means we will likely be renters far longer than many of my peers.
And if I am honest, that’s a tough pill to swallow at times. It’s easy to believe that if you have more, you will be happier and more content. “Then I will truly be living the good life,” we often tell ourselves.
Scripture tells us otherwise. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 encourages us not to trust in money because it’s unreliable. Rather, be focused on being rich in good deeds and generous with our money, so that “we may experience true life.”
It’s hard not to trust in money, though, isn’t it? We think the more in our RRSP, the healthier our savings account, and the more assets we have, the more secure we will be (Luke 12:14). And while there is some earthly truth to that, it isn’t the full picture.
Sometimes I find it helpful (unsettling, but helpful) to remember that when Jesus comes back to Earth, our net worth will immediately tank to zero. All our assets, savings, and stuff we’ve collected will ultimately be worthless. We came into this world with nothing, and we will leave this world the same (1 Timothy 6:7).
Balancing fiscal responsibility, faith, and generosity all at the same time can feel difficult, but remembering this passage from Timothy can help us remember what is important, and what helps us feel truly alive.
As CT Studd once wrote: Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word in 1 Timothy 6. I pray I would use my money to do good and that I might become rich in good works.
Reflection: What does “experiencing true life” look like for you?
Copyright © 2023 Impactus | Promise Keepers Canada. All rights reserved.
About
