Enjoy Life

Daily Reading: 1 Timothy 6

Scripture Focus: 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. (1 Timothy 6.17-18)

Devotional Thought: “America’s bottom ventile is still richer than most of the world:  That is, the typical person in the bottom 5 percent of the American income distribution is still richer than 68 percent of the world’s inhabitants.”  Tim Worstall, Forbes.

Americans are a wealthy people, aren't they?  But, is that bad?

In this chapter, Paul does not say that money itself is the root of all kinds of evil; he instead says that the love of money is that root.  People who love money put their trust in their own abilities to provide contentment for themselves.  It is an easy trap to fall into in this country of relative wealth, but as Paul says, it will cause those eager for money to pierce themselves with many griefs.  For, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6.24, NIV). 

If you are rich in this present world, hold on to that wealth loosely.  Look for opportunities to bless others who do not have as much, and do it in the name of Jesus.  If you are not rich financially, be rich in good deeds (v. 18), be generous and willing to share your time and energy, and do it in the name of Jesus. And enjoy life, for God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (v. 17).

Jenny Wade

Prayer: Thank you for your blessings, Lord.  Help me "to do good, to be rich in good works, [and] to be generous and ready to share."  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.113-120

113 I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.

114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.

115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.

116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!

117 Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually!

118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain.

119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies.

120 My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.