Where is Your Hope?

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. 


Reflection

Around AD 64, Paul wrote to one of his closest companions, Timothy, at the church in Ephesus to address some of the false teachings that had sprouted up. What we see in today’s reading is a portion of both a personal letter and specific directions for church administration and discipline for the church in Ephesus.

History indicates that Ephesus (now modern-day Turkey) was a wealthy port city at the time of Paul’s letter. It is likely that some members of the Ephesian church were wealthy, and Paul speaks directly to these individuals when he charges the rich “not to be haughty” (verse 17) or put hope in their wealth. Instead, Paul instructs the Ephesian Christians to be “rich in good works” (verse 18) and to place their hope and treasure in Jesus. Essentially, we should be content with what we already have and be generous with our surplus instead of using it strictly for ourselves.

God inspired Paul to write this admonishment to the Christians in Ephesus, but it is still just as applicable to the church today. Merriam-Webster.com defines the word contentment simply as being “satisfied.” We live in a culture that daily attempts to persuade us we do not have enough or that we need certain things in order to be satisfied and happy. However, according to the Bible, this is a fallacy and a distraction from how we are to truly live.

Hence, there is no point in being dissatisfied with what we have (or don’t have). Placing our hope in our assets (retirement, vehicles, homes, bank accounts, etc.) is futile if we consider that when we die, those assets will either pass to someone else or fade away entirely. But be encouraged! Regardless of who you are or what your bank account looks like, in Christ Jesus, we have a no-fail retirement plan! It is therefore our Christian responsibility to be generous with our resources and show others that it is God who controls the wealth that He has put under our administration.


Action Steps

1.  Are you feeling dissatisfied with something in your life right now? Take a few minutes and ask the Holy Spirit these questions:

• How should I respond in this situation? 
• Lord, how can I practice contentment in this area? 

2.  Is there an area in your life where you feel God prompting you to be more generous? Do you have anything (time, money, personal acts of service, etc.) that you could share with others?  

Prayer
 
My generous, loving Father, I understand that it is You who has provided for me from day one. And I know Your word says, “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Please help to me to be content with what I have and to be responsible and generous with others from my overflow of blessings. It’s in Your perfect name I pray. Amen.