Trust in God, Not in Wealth
(Day 1 of Lent – 18 Feb 26)
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
An important word connected to wealth is “trust”. More precisely, we are to put our trust in God rather than in our wealth. The reason is that riches, being so uncertain, is unworthy of our hope. Rather, it is God who richly provides for all that we need, and who alone is worthy of all of our trust and faith in him.
How can we show that our trust in God is genuine?
- It is by not being stingy but generous
- It is by seeking not to hoard our riches but being willing to share it
- It is by our initiative to do good deeds instead of holding back
All of these show that we have truly put our trust in God.
In my pastoral ministry, I have seen people storing up wealth to their own hurt. An elderly man refuses to release his money for ministry purposes even though he has more than enough for himself. Others keep their wealth only to have their children fight over the inheritance and sever family relations after their death. Proverbs says that the stingy man who pursues wealth does not know that poverty will come upon him. (Prov 28:22)
Yet if we resolve to do good and be generous, we are the blessed ones. We are storing up for ourselves treasure in heaven that can never spoil nor fade. In this life, we will be freed from the clutches and trap of greed to take hold of what is truly life.
Let’s start the New Year by trusting fully in the Lord and resolve to do a good deed for another person each day this Lent!
Revd Ian 🙏✝️