Rich on the Road

   "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  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."  1 Timothy 6:17-19

I find myself ending a lot on conversations lately with "thankfully, that is not where my true treasure lies."  Talk about the stock market, about a disappearing 401 K  (which some now refer to as 401 Not OK) and the general state of the economy can put us all in a real funk.  It is comforting to know none of that is our "true treasure."

Paul's letter to Timothy, written 2000 years ago, is perfect for Americans today.  We are all 'rich in this present world."  The poorest among us lives like a King by the world's standards.  Even by the standards of our forefathers.  Just a few decades ago only the rich had indoor toilets, private telephone lines and automobiles.  Now, look at the wealth virtually all of us possess.    

The Bible verses above came from "Our Daily Bread," a daily devotional that I have been starting my day with for years.  You can find it online or RBC Mnistries will send you a monthly booklet.  Today's lesson -- about enjoying the earthly riches God has blessed us with, BUT not relying on them -- is so timely.  As, it most often is.  Our true treasure is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  Now, that we can rely on.

Rich