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.
1 Timothy 6:18-19 NIV
As Paul closed this first letter to Timothy, he gave him some instructions to pass on to those who have worldly wealth. It might be tempting to think this is directed just to rich people, but that would be a mistake. Many of us are not considered rich by the standards of our country but have more than we need. And Paul’s message applies just as much to us as to those with great wealth.
Paul gives us four things we should do with what we have. We should use our wealth to do good and to be rich in good deeds. This is more than giving money to those in need. It is investing our time and abilities in helping other people. We should also be generous and willing to share. To be willing to share our wealth with those who have less than we do. And to do so generously and cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7).
Paul goes on to tell us that the investment we make in the lives of other people is an investment in our future. By doing good and being generous, we are laying up treasure as a firm foundation for the coming age. This mirrors what Jesus said about storing treasure in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21).
This laying up of treasure is not to earn or secure our salvation. But it does enhance our relationship with our Lord. It enables us to take hold of the life that is truly life. To be drawn closer to the one who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Sharing my wealth with others reduces what I have to spend on myself and the temporary pleasure it might bring. But the eternal gain far outweighs any loss I might experience. Generosity with our worldly wealth leads to true riches. Both now and throughout eternity.
