I will never forget a story my sister told me years ago about my then-two-year-old nephew Owen’s generosity. She was babysitting him, and he was eating a piece of fun-sized candy. He took a bite, declared how much he liked it, and then sweetly offered my sister a bite. She declined as her heart melted because she knew that by offering her a bite of his already bite-sized candy, he was giving up the rest of his sweet treat. Owen is 10 now, and although he is no longer a little two-year-old boy, his sweet spirit remains. His story of generosity is a poignant reminder to me that in a world that teaches us to focus on ourselves and to build our own little, fragile kingdoms, generosity is a better way.
The apostle Paul called Christ followers to a lifestyle of generosity in 1st Timothy 6. In this passage of Scripture, he gave Timothy instructions on how to lead others to steward their finances well. He wrote in this passage of Scripture, “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable” (verse 17). Indeed, money and the things it can buy are fickle. We cannot trust them to take care of us and meet our needs. Instead, Paul said to Timothy, “Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment” (verse 17). God is the only one worthy of our trust, and He provides for and cares for us. Next, Paul gave instructions for how followers of Christ should manage their money and resources. He wrote, “Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others” (verse 18). Instead of viewing our money as an opportunity to serve ourselves, our call is to see it as an opportunity to “do good.” Even more, we are called to be ready to practice generosity at any moment. This is a far better way of living than choosing selfishness and spending our finances only on ourselves.
What about you? Do you view your finances as an opportunity to do good, or do you solely view your finances as an opportunity to serve yourself? I urge you, friend, use your finances to do good, building up God and His kingdom, which will never fade away, “storing up [your] treasure as a good foundation for the future so that [you] may experience true life” (1st Timothy 6:19).
Part of being generous involves being aware of the needs around you. As you go throughout your day, pay attention to the needs you see. As you see needs, take steps to meet them. Do you have a neighbor who is going through a difficult time financially? Double your recipe for your meal tonight and take dinner to them. Do you have friends who need a date night but are short on money? Offer to pay for their babysitter. As you see needs around you, take steps to help meet them. Your generosity might seem small, but its impact on those you serve will be extraordinary.
Prayer Prompt: Use this prompt to guide you as you pray.
1 All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching. 2 If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved.
False Teaching and True Riches
Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. 3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Paul’s Final Instructions
11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. 13 And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 15 For,
At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness.
May God’s grace be with you all.
