1 Timothy 6:17-19, ‘Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.’
Do not be proud and do not trust in riches or money which is unreliable! Holy Spirit instructs us here, that there might be pride in the rich, by trusting in their riches! Only trust in God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Use your money to do good and be generous with those who are in need, according to the will of God. Then, we will be storing for ourselves treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that we can take hold of true life.
Exodus 16:2, ‘The whole congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.’
The Israelites were under slavery in Egypt for 40 years and now when they were delivered from slavery by the mighty hand of God, they started grumbling against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, within the second month and 15 days! God was compassionate still and provided manna from heaven!
V4-V5, ‘Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.”’
Israelites had unbelief that manna would be there on Sabbath!
V16-V20, ‘This is what the Lord has commanded, ‘Gather of it every man as much as he should eat; you shall take an omer apiece according to the number of persons each of you has in his tent.’” 17 The sons of Israel did so, and some gathered much and some little. 18 When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack; every man gathered as much as he should eat. 19 Moses said to them, “Let no man leave any of it until morning.” 20 But they did not listen to Moses, and some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them.’
Israelites trusted ‘Manna’ – as they thought that without it, they would end up starving! Their trust was not in the Lord who gave ‘manna’. Also, they started to grumble and murmur against the Elders! Similarly, when God gives us money and riches, we need to be careful in whom we are trusting in – ‘The Lord who gives’ or the ‘money’? Money is very unreliable! Our trust should be in God who richly supplies us. Do not be proud. Do not have unbelief!
Let us do good. Be rich in good works. Be generous and ready to share.
Matthew 6:1, ‘“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.’
V19-21, ‘“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’
‘Treasure’ is something which we hold very dear or cherish. When God gives us money, we need to save it and use it wisely. If our heart is set only on the money then it becomes our treasure! Our Lord should be our treasure, not the money! If we keep our Lord in our hearts, trusting in Him, then we will be able to do good works; our eyes will be open to see those who are in need and help them in a rightful way, seeking God’s will in doing good works. In Church matters, seek Elder’s help as in Acts, where the believers sold everything and shared it with the Apostles; as they were not having a right understanding, to whom to give.
Acts 20:35, ‘In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’’
Deuteronomy 14:22-23. ‘“You shall surely tithe all the produce from what you sow, which comes out of the field every year. 23You shall eat in the presence of the Lord your God, at the place where He chooses to establish His name, the tithe of your grain, your new wine, your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and your flock, so that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always’.
Here, the reason why the Israelites were asked to tithe; so that they may learn to fear the Lord always, to honor God first and give Him the first place in their lives.
Matthew 22:37, ‘And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’’
Lord Jesus said the same thing to the rich young ruler to sell all his possessions and share with the poor, He saw the ‘treasure’ which the young ruler had; in his riches and possessions. The young ruler instead got offended and left. Let us assess ourselves, where is our treasure? Are we proud? Are we trusting in the riches and money that is so unreliable? Or are we trusting God, wholeheartedly! Always seek God’s will in everything we do. Do not depend on our own understanding, leading us to have pride! Learn to fear God, keep God first and use it for His glory. Be rich in doing good works!
Matthew 22:21, ‘They *said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He *said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”’
Be sensitive to these things. Obey the Government rules. Give to God’s work, be generous in giving to the needy, instead of storing for ourselves. God will supply all our needs according to the riches in glory. Let us carry our cross daily and follow the Lord. Our flesh is weak, making us feel that money is our confidence; but die to the self and obey the Lord, by giving generously.
To be His true disciples, we need to forsake all and follow Him; not having other worldly treasures but treasuring the Lord in our hearts. As the Lord is preparing us to be His pure bride, let us cleanse ourselves from anything which takes His place in our hearts and surrender totally to Him.
Luke 16:13, ‘No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”’
Let us not have double standards loving God and money but use the money righteously and be on God’s side, serving God. Let us examine ourselves, who is our master? Let us love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind!
