Wealthy for a Reason

“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.”—1 Timothy 6:17-19

How much money do you make? Is it enough? What would be enough? Just a bit more? Is the goal of your life to acquire more stuff or to serve the Savior? If it is to acquire more stuff, then know this, it’s all going to burn. As the missionary C.T. Studd wrote, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

The truth is, we will never have enough. We always want more. But stuff can’t satisfy and we must come to terms with the idea that we are rich. There are many out in the world who believe we aren’t, but that is true only if we compare ourselves to the likes of Warren Buffet and Bill Gates. But if we were to look at the rest of the world, where would we fit? Francis Chan, in his book Crazy Love, wrote about our financial status in comparison with the rest of the world:

“If one hundred people represented the world’s population, fifty-three of those would live on less than $2 a day. Do you realize that if you make $4,000 a month, you automatically make one hundred times more than the average person on this planet? Simply by purchasing this book, you spent what a majority of people in the world will make in a week’s time.

Which is more messed up—that we have so much compared to everyone else, or that we don’t think we’re rich? That on any given day we might flippantly call ourselves ‘broke’ or ‘poor’? We are neither of these things. We are rich. Filthy rich.”

We are rich, more rich than we could have ever imagined. Although we may not feel that way, the reality is, we are. But God doesn’t want us to set our sights on what we can acquire, but on what we can give away. Wealth is not certain—only God is. God has given us wealth that we might in turn bless others—we are made wealthy for a reason. We are to use our wealth to help others in need. This may mean helping a friend or family member who is out of work, or in need of help. This may mean giving to someone at church who is going through a certain trial. We must use what God has given to us to help others so that we might store up treasure in heaven, not treasure on earth.

There are others who hold onto their money because they arrogantly believe that it’s theirs. After all, they earned it. But that is not completely true. Yes, they may have put in the time, diligence, and discipline to earn the money, but where did the capacity to work come from? The Scripture says very clearly,

“Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that He may confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is this day”—Deuteronomy 8:17-18.

God has given us the ability to have and make wealth, and He has done so for a reason—that we may use what He has given us to help others, for in doing so, we are showing that God is the Lord of our lives and we are simply stewards endowed with a trust.

May we use our wealth for good works in order that He may be worshiped! May our fortunes be given to enliven faith! May our money help make many disciples. And may the gifts we have been given bring great glory to God! Amen.