DEVOTION – DAY 502

I Timothy 6:17-19 “Hope In God, Not Money”

1 Timothy 6:17-19 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age. So that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”

The Bible teaches us here an important lesson about the wealth and resources that people possess. It is an important lesson because many people today are obsessed with the desire to earn more money. Many people think money is the answer to all their problems and it is a key to their dream life. That is why many people see money and resources as their source of security, and they hold on tightly to what they have.

But the Bible in verses like 1 Timothy 6:17-19 reminds everyone that it is foolish to put hope in wealth because it is uncertain. The money we have could be taken from us by a bank scam, or if we are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness that requires huge medical expenses to treat, or an economic crisis that causes runaway inflation that reduces the worth of our money and assets. These verses remind us to put our hope in God instead of money. This is because God richly provides us what we need with everything for our enjoyment. 

For example, many people take for granted the clean fresh air that God provides that we breathe in. But just a few years ago, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, people all wore face masks and even face shields for fear of catching the contagious virus. Those that caught the virus struggled to breathe and needed ventilators. It was a good lesson for us to remind ourselves that all the money we have were powerless against an unseen virus that threatened our lives. We all had to put our hope in God to protect us. 

The Bible therefore encourages us to be generous with our money and resources to bless those who are less fortunate than we are – to be willing to share. When we do that, we are actually laying a firm foundation for eternity. There is a ripple effect when we use our resources to help others. It draws people closer to God.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for blessing us with what we need and for our enjoyment.  Please help us to be always grateful and contented. Please help us to be generous to use our resources to bless others. We humbly ask this in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. Why should we not hold tight to our money and resources but to use it to bless those in need? Discuss.
  2. How have you been blessed by others through their giving in the past? Share.
  3. How will you use some of your resources and money to help others, and for eternal good?
  4. How has God richly provided what you need and for your enjoyment? Discuss and Share.