Life that is Truly Life

Paul seemed to always be writing.  To churches and individuals, all needed his divine instruction. One such recipient of Paul's instruction was Timothy. But note, the instruction to Timothy is to teach and encourage us to experience life to the fullest.  For example, in the early verses of 1 Timothy 6, Paul gives instruction on how Timothy should be teaching about the love of money. Yes, this is the segment of scripture advising us that "the love of money is the root of evil."  Instructions that are good for our reading and consideration follow...but the part I want you to think about today comes in verses 18 and 19. And don't forget, Paul has just finished his teaching on the love of money. 

1 Timothy 6:18-19

¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹ 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.

Paul has warned earlier in the chapter that those who are rich should not put their hope in wealth. Are you wealthy?  How much is "rich?" Paul says instead of placing our hope in money, we should place our hope in God, who provides everything. Think of ways this relates to your attitude toward money. 

Instead of putting hope in our wealth, the instruction continues, "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."  Do you see the truth that our being rich isn't related to our wealth.  Here it is an encouragement to be rich in good deeds, be generous, and willing to share.  Think again of the ways you fit in this picture. 

Paul says the ultimate result of being rich in good works is this: 1. A treasure laid up for yourself.  2. A firm foundation for the coming age.  3. Laying hold of the life that is truly life.   Consider your life, its relationship to monetary wealth, and ways you can be taking hold of that life that is truly life. 

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