As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
(1 Timothy 6:17-19 ESV)
For many of us, the first clause appears to be one that disqualifies us from its instruction. We would loudly (and proudly) proclaim "I'm not rich!" That's because we always point at others who have more and make more, without looking at most who have and make far less. In fact, we are rich. And in our society, we put our hopes and meaning for life in what we have. We have the possibility of sharing. It's an option. But we are not so "ready to share." Paul's instruction is for us. We need his admonition like in II Corinthians 8:
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. (2 Corinthians 8:1-7 ESV) Let us be ready to share with fellow believers and show the love of Christ.
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