Instructions for The Rich

I Timothy 6:17-19

A hammer can be used to build a home, carve stone, or shape metal. It can also be used to smash a car window or kill someone. How it is used is up to the person using it. Money itself is just a tool like a hammer or saw. In itself, it is neither good nor evil. It can be used to make a home, to help others, or to pay for fixing a problem. It can also be used to pay for drugs and sexual sin, to gain unfair advantage, or to have an opponent killed. How it is used is up to the person using it. A fixation on obtaining money, for whatever purpose, is dangerous. As I Timothy 6:10 warns, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

The problem is not having or not having money, but the attitude toward it. Christ does not demand that every person who follows him give up their riches, as is illustrated by Joseph of Aramathaea in Matthew 27:57. “When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:” In the story of the rich young man in Matthew 19:16-24, he stressed that our attitude toward money could keep us from eternal life however.

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”

And he said unto him, “Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”

He saith unto him, “Which?”

Jesus said, “Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

The young man saith unto him, “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?”

Jesus said unto him, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. “

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, “Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”” (Matthew 19:16-24)

Timothy is to direct those who are rich to avoid falling into this trap by avoiding a feeling of superiority as a result of their riches, or by depending on their wealth to obtain what they desire. Instead, they are to put their faith in Christ. They are to recognize what God gives is for enjoyment, not for their advantage over others.

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

While the Bible warns against being foolish or wasteful with wealth, it warns that itwill not last forever. For maximum worth, it must be used, just as the hammer must. The hammer is more meaningful to the person who depends on it for a living than to the collector, although the collector may pay more or receive more for it.

By using their money to benefit others, sharing, and giving to others freely, the rich can receive the maximum benefit for themselves, not only in this life, but in eternity. The money will not buy them a place, but a proper attitude toward it will allow them to receive eternal life. As John 12:25 says, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”