17 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. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 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)
Wealth presents the temptation to trust in riches instead of God. Jesus repeatedly warned against trusting in riches at the expense of the soul (Matt. 6:19-21; 16:26; Lk. 12:15-21). One is rich in God’s sight who is ready and willing to share with others. You obtain God’s favor by doing good with what you possess. Treasure in heaven are laid up when you use your earthly treasure to help others. Material wealth tempts us to focus on the present. But, using our possessions to “do good” focuses on “the time to come”. Here then is the paradox: By letting go of our earthly possessions in the aid of others we seize eternal life. Trust God and use your treasure to lay up treasure in heaven.
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