"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen."
In today's quote, Paul instructs Timothy to relate some very important advice to wealthy Christians.
This is a very important lesson in that one of the most difficult tasks for a wealthy man/woman is to keep their spiritual lives in balance while dealing with earthly wealth and power.
It is human nature, because of the disobedience of Adam, to want more of the luxurious material things in life, and there is nothing wrong with that. However while working to fulfill those wants it is very easy for a child of God to slip away from his/her devotion to the ministry of the gospel as they spend more and more time concerned with gaining more wealth and power.
Jesus said; "Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:23-24 in part)
Jesus had previously explained the reasoning lies behind that statement when he said; "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24)
Therefore, it behooves every one of us, especially those who earn more than what is necessary to sustain life, to use any wealth with the continual guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer, and only for the purposes outlined in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
When scriptural guidelines are followed, material wealth is a blessing just as Jesus promised.~
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