How rich am I?
An interesting question. I found this web site which gives a good perspective on the subject. The Global Rich list, sponsored by ‘Poke’ aims to help the subscriber understand their place in the global wealth stakes. The results may surprise you.
When Paul wrote to Timothy he was concerned that those who were rich in Ephesus wouldn’t become proud because of their wealth.
“17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
1 Timothy 6 17-19
By any measure we in the UK and the USA are rich. We are rich by historical standards, cultural standards and global standards. Earning the UK average wage puts us in the top one percent in terms of global wealth.
If the pitfalls that Paul warned Timothy about were due to wealth then this passage is all the more relevant to us.
There are two specific issues this passage refers to with regard to wealth.
1. It can induce pride.
2. It can be the focus of misplace hope.
We’ll look to these in detail next time and consider the appropriate remedies.