The rich

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. – 1 Timothy 6.17-19

Even though the love of money is the root is all evil God never condemns money. It is there and it is necessary. Some folks are going to have more than others. Here Paul address those who are rich in this present age. I’d like to pass that off to those who have loads of riches, but the truth is that even we have more that the vast majority of the world. We don’t live from pay cheque to pay cheque. We have a roof over our heads, even if it is rented. We have food on our table and clothes to wear. We can afford to do fun things. Others may have much more but compared to most of the world we would be considered rich.

So what are we supposed to do with our extra money if we have it? We can get a hint when Paul writes about one of the key reasons that we work is in order for us to take care of others.

Here are some key principles regarding money for the very rich, the somewhat which, and even the barely rich.

Don’t be proud
Don’t trust in those riches
Trust the God who gave us those things
Be rich in good works
Be ready to give
Share

If we are willing to do those things we may not build up a whole lot here on earth, but we will be laying a good foundation for eternity. The riches we do have, whether small or great, will only count for eternity as we use them to love God and care for others.