“As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”-1Timothy 6:17
Uncertain is not just a place in Texas. We live in uncertain times. Doom and drama sounds on the TV, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are a rich and powerful people. We are accustomed to the world bowing down to our power and now we are afraid of losing what God richly and freely gives to us. I suggest the reason it seems so bad is because we have put our trust in the uncertainty of riches. This passage from Paul’s letter to Timothy gives us the solutions for our fears:
1. Do not be haughty. When we puff ourselves up to be high and mighty we show our foolishness. Greatness is witnessed in the one who serves and puts the needs of others ahead of their own. It may be our insecurities and fears of loss which cause us to act haughty.
“The haughty blind person picks a fight with his guide. – African Proverb”
2. Set your hope on God. Hope is essential. When people lose hope they lose their lives, but we can put our hope in things rather than God. When we trust in possessions or positions of power we will be insecure. We will constantly worry about loss. When our hope is set on God our confidence and security soars. No one can take God away from you. The love of God takes all other fears away.
3.God provides us with everything – even our enjoyment. Too often we view God like a miserly parent who only gives us the essentials to live. God is generous and gives us more than enough, even for our enjoyment. The danger is when we think it is just for our self-centered enjoyment. Our enjoyment is not to the detriment of others. God cares about all of God’s creation. We are blessed and given everything we need and enjoy, trust in God’s providence.
Yes, we do trust in God. No, we do not know everything that will happen to us. But “I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.”
See you in worship.
