Day 14 | The Joy of Generosity

“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.”

Paul instructs Timothy on how to counsel the "rich in this present world". His advice applies to all of us who have been blessed with resources, which includes most of us in the modern Western world.

The warning against arrogance and trusting in wealth is crucial. It's easy to feel self-sufficient when we have ample resources. But Paul reminds us that wealth is uncertain and that our trust should be in God alone.

Instead of hoarding wealth, we're called to be rich in good deeds and to be generous. This is a powerful antidote to greed. When we're focused on giving rather than getting, we're less likely to be ensnared by the love of money.

Paul presents generosity not as a burden, but as an opportunity. It's a chance to "take hold of the life that is truly life." This suggests that generosity leads to a fuller, more satisfying way of living.

The imagery of "storing up treasure" is interesting here. While we often think of storing up earthly treasure, Paul encourages us to store up heavenly treasure through generosity. This is an investment with eternal returns.

Ultimately, this passage presents a positive vision of how to handle wealth. Rather than rejecting it entirely, we're called to use it wisely and generously, trusting God and blessing others in the process.

Personal Examination:

In what ways might I be putting my hope in wealth rather than in God?

How can I be more intentional about being "rich in good deeds"?

What's one step I can take this week to be more generous with my resources?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the resources You've entrusted to me. Help me to hold them loosely, always ready to use them for Your purposes. Give me a generous heart and help me to store up treasure in heaven rather than on earth. May I take hold of the life that is truly life. Amen.