Have you ever wondered what God thinks about money? About our finances, meeting our needs and having abundance to share? For sure there are lots of opinions and teachings about the subject of “prosperity” (even that word has become a bit “yikes!” in Christian culture today), but let’s dive straight into the Bible to see what the Word says about this basic topic.

Let’s start with this passage:

“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. 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. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.” (1 Tim. 6:17-19)

Wow, there’s so much in that text, right? Let’s unpack it a bit.

1. First, let’s define “rich.” You may think that “rich” only means those in Hollywood, with multi-million dollar mansions -- and probably a handful of Bentleys. But actually -- this verse applies to all of us! If we take a truly global view...it’s possible that most of us reading the devo today could be considered rich, in the global economy. There are many studies that show if you have food in the fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you’re “richer” than 75% of the world. Wow -- we have a lot to be grateful for!

2. The issue is trust. Notice that being rich...or more simply stated, having money...isn’t the issue here. Why? Because money itself is neutral! It’s not good or bad -- it just “is.” The important thing in this passage is not to put our TRUST in money because it’s unreliable! Instead, our trust should be in the Lord!

Take a moment for a quick check-up here...are you trusting in your paycheck, or trusting the Lord who provides you with the talents and opportunities to earn that income? Are you trusting in your bank account, home and cars, or is your trust in the One who’s behind all of those blessings? I encourage you today to make sure your trust is in the Lord. He is the only firm foundation to build your life on!

3. God wants you blessed! While there is so much in the 1 Timothy 6:17-19 passage that we could dive into, I want to draw your attention to one more aspect of it today...God wants you to prosper and to enjoy life. Yes, friends, I said “enjoy” life! He wants your life full of good things, both for your enjoyment and to provide you with blessings so you can bless others and be outrageously generous! This may be a new or foreign concept for you, so again let’s go back to what the Bible says about it.

Let’s look at that same passage one more time, but now in The Passion Translation: “To all the rich of this world, I command you not to be wrapped in thoughts of pride over your prosperity, or rely on your wealth, for your riches are unreliable and nothing compared to the living God. Trust instead in the one who has lavished upon us all good things, fulfilling our every need. Remind the wealthy to be rich in good works of extravagant generosity, willing to share with others. This will provide a beautiful foundation for their lives and secure for them a great future, as they lay their hands upon the meaning of true life.”

Do you see, from this passage, that we should trust in God -- the one who lavishes upon us all good things...how amazing is that? And then it goes on to remind us to be rich in good works, extravagant in generosity and willing to share with others! Doesn’t this sound like the “blessed to be a blessing life?” Sign me up!!

Here’s the bottom line: God wants you, yes YOU, to enjoy life and to be blessed to be generous to others! And God wants to bless you even more than He already has! Set your heart upon Him, place your trust in Him and His Word...and watch Him overflow your life with blessings to both enjoy and to share.

If your head is going a bit “tilt” on this subject, that’s okay. I encourage you to spend some time meditating on His Word (check out the Scriptures recommended below) and allow the Lord to speak to your heart and renew your mind on this subject.

Say this...
“Father, thank You that you fill my life with good things. Thank You for your generosity towards me and I ask You to stir up a generous spirit in me, so I can be a blessing to others! I believe Your Word that You fulfill my every need, so Lord today I lift up these needs and ask for Your provisions and wisdom in these areas: ___________________. I put my trust in You and believe that the best is yet to come! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”