News from Potter's Wheel Ministries

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (KJV)
¹⁷Charge 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; ¹⁸That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
¹⁹Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Who are the rich that this passage speaks to? If we compare our wealth here in America to the people of Nigeria, Sudan, Bangladesh, or some other impoverished part of the world; then if we are truly honest with ourselves we would have to conclude that we are very wealthy. I realize some more than others, but rich just the same.

Wealth is hard to ascertain when a person is rich in many cases because we so easily get familiar with our comforts and privileges in life that we tend to want more when we grow bored with what we have; and
we thereby develop a sense of need because we are never satisfied with the things we have.

Contrast this with what Paul spoke over in Philippians 4:11 and it brings things into focus, "I have learned whatsoever state I am in, to be content." While its true some people will be richer than others, it does not mean that those who have less are not equally wealthy. Too much emphasis has been placed on volume rather than quality.

There are a great deal of myths about wealth that we tend to believe and base our lives on. Three such myths are: Myth (1). Having more things equals more happiness. Yet, there are those who have incredible
wealth and never seem to be happy with what they have, while always reaching for more.

Myth (2). Having more things equals more importance. While I do realize wealth offers a sense of power to those who have it at times, however, it does not prove to always make you important accept maybe in your own eyes. How many are those who have displayed themselves with arrogance because they thought highly of who they were based on their financial portfolio?

Myth (3). Having more things equals more security. How foolish to think that wealth can protect you and your family in economic times that collapse. Wealth is a fleeting thing that is strong one day and the next it finds you bankrupt. The bible tells us that wealth makes wings for itself and flies away. Therefore, you can't trust that it will always be there to protect you.

Generosity depends on good theology. We will be generous precisely to the extent that we have a proper view of God and His involvement in our daily life. If we separate God from every day life, then we'll feel obligated to hoard our wealth because we're in charge of how it is to be used.

Continuing over in verse 18 it mentions our actions: Doing good, being rich in good deeds, and a generous spirit that gladly shares with others. We need to be generous in the way we spend our time and resources. We should get involved with others. Go face to face with those who are experiencing a crises in their life and support them with the necessary help.

Those who dare to become generous givers end up enjoying life on a level that those who hoard their wealth will never experience. The giver will give their time, their money, their advice, their counsel, their talents and their commitment to the Lord and to others. These will never accept as just being spectators; they will always want to get off the bench of comfort and safety and get into the game.

I read about a very wealthy man who gave away millions to Christian causes around the world. At one point he suffered an enormous financial reversal and lost everything. A friend asked him if he regretted having given so much away. His reply, "Oh no! I only lost what I kept for myself." What we keep we end up losing because we will obviously not live forever. However, what we give away, we will keep because the benefits of giving last for eternity. I am a rich pastor sharing with very wealthy people. Amen!