There is a thinking in America that people who have lots of money are selfish and arrogant. The problem is that many rich people do not live in such a manner to dispel this thinking. Some studies show that rich people give less, lie more, and even cheat on their spouses to a greater degree than poor people. In other words, rich people aren’t very good at being rich. The reason may be they are trying to get richer and that is a bad way to be good at being rich.
But we’re not rich, are we? Some aren’t, but if you make $37,000 a year you are among the top 4% of the richest people in the world. And if you make over $47,000 you are in the top 1%! So maybe you are rich!
So, how can a person be good at being rich? God gives a command to rich people in 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
Tell those rich in this world’s wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they’ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.
God encourages rich people in a couple of areas. He tells them not to trust in riches, but to trust in God. Many people, rich and poor, trust in their money more than God. They think that if they had more money most of their problems would be solved. But rather than trusting in riches, we need to trust God who gives us the riches. When you settle the issue of where it all comes from and who owns it all you won’t depend on it but on Him.
Not only should we not trust in riches, we should do something positive with them. This passage tells us we should generously use our money and possessions for others. Most people would tell us to save our money – and there is much wisdom in saving for a later date. But saving does not negate the importance to give now.
I really think that God gives some people more so they can give to those who have less. And when God is dishing out financial blessings, He looks for people He can trust to give it away to those who need it. That way it can be a blessing to at least two – the person who receives and the person who gives.
What are some ways you can be good at being rich?