Thought for the Day

Verse 15 - Some are born into wealth, others into poverty. Neither condition can prevent someone from serving God. Some think that a rich person cannot serve God because "money is the root of all evil." This is an inaccurate quote of 1 Timothy 6:10, which actually says that "...the love of money is the root of all evil..." (my emphasis).

Sin is not in things, but in the heart of man. Money is simply a medium of exchange. Used correctly, it can further God's work. The spirit of mammon and the love of money, however, ruin many people. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 warns the wealthy not to trust in riches or become arrogant. While they may enjoy what money can buy, they are charged to use their wealth properly; to distribute riches to those in need and to the work of the Gospel. They are to store up eternal rewards - to obtain true riches, which cannot be bought. Jesus said, "If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?" (Luke 16:11).

What are the "true riches?" The true riches are the righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:10-12.

Verse 16 - Because God's blessings always follow His obedient children, one can rise above one's lot in life even if born into poverty. Wherever the Gospel is preached, those who come to know Christ will begin to overcome poverty, filth, and ignorance. Poverty is not from God, but we can at times be subject to it. Even so, every Christian is promised the provision of his needs. The poor may ask God for daily bread; the rich, guidance in all the responsibilities that come with wealth. We can grow in Christ to the point where we can say with Paul "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:11-13).

Verse 17 - To walk in the way of life, we need God's instruction and must be reproved at times to avoid what leads to ruin and poverty. Some lose their riches and must work their way out of poverty. Those in this situation need to ask God why it happened; if making money had become more important than serving Him. We should all have a teachable spirit so that God can correct us and we can walk in victory.