1 Timothy 6:18-19 – Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Those with wealth of any amount are commanded to recognize God as the true source of their wealth and to be generous with their riches. The material blessings God has given to you are for you to both enjoy and use for the advancement of His Kingdom, not for self-centered living. I really like John Wesley’s rule for life, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” “Storing up” may also be translated “treasuring up,” a phrase similar to Jesus’ challenge in Matthew 6:19–21 to lay up treasure in heaven. Your daily obedience to God builds a good foundation for the time to come. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 teaches that your works will be evaluated to see what your life in Christ has produced.

Challenge:

We are in the season of giving, the season that we remember the birth of our Savior, the greatest gift ever given to mankind. For you to keep this time of year in the proper perspective, you must focus more on the gift you have been given from God, than on the gifts you will give to others or the gifts you may receive from others. Your challenge this week is to be ready to give, not from your wallet, but from your heart. Be ready to give to the needs of others around you by being watchful for who needs that extra boost of assistance or encouragement. Giving does not mean only providing financial assistance, you may already have what someone needs, be ready and willing to share that with them. You see, by giving to others, you become rich in good works, fulfilling the instructions from this weeks verse and laying hold of a fulfilled life. God bless you.