1 Timothy 6:17-21: a reflection

17Charge those who are rich in this present age that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; 18that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share; 19laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life. 20Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge, 21which some profess, and thus have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

Paul gives Timothy a charge for those who are rich, and it is balanced and wise. He does not tell them to despise their wealth or feel guilty for it, but neither does he leave them to trust in it. Charge the rich, he says, not to be haughty, nor to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. And then: charge them to do good, to be rich in good works, generous and ready to share. A right relationship to wealth: do not trust it, do use it generously, and receive God's gifts with enjoyment.

Notice the three things Paul weaves together. First, do not set your hope on riches, which are uncertain, here today and gone tomorrow, no foundation to build a life on; set your hope on God instead. Second, use what you have generously: be rich in good works, ready to give and share, laying up a good foundation for the future by generosity now. And third, receive God's gifts with enjoyment: God richly provides everything for us to enjoy; wealth is not to be despised but received with gratitude and held with an open hand.

That is a wise and freeing framework for our relationship to money and possessions, whether we have much or little. Do not anchor your hope and security in wealth, which is uncertain; anchor it in God, who is not. Use what you have generously, for good, rather than hoarding it. And enjoy God's good gifts with gratitude, holding them loosely and openly. Wealth is a dangerous master but a good servant. Set your hope on God, be generous, and enjoy his gifts with thanks, holding them with an open hand.

Lord, teach me a right relationship to wealth: not to set my hope on uncertain riches but on you, who richly provide everything to enjoy; to be generous and rich in good works, ready to give and share; and to receive your good gifts with gratitude, holding them with an open hand. Keep money from becoming my master or my security. Let my hope rest in you, my hands be open in generosity, and my heart be grateful for your gifts.