How To Enjoy The Things You Have Without Being Defined By Them

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 Tim. 6:17-19)

You can enjoy the things you have without feeling guilty or being controlled by them. God wants you too. But it means following His will...

1. Recognize God as the source of your blessings

​Let's take the statement at the end of verse 17, in 1 Timothy chapter 6, as a question and answer: Who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment? The answer...God! If we fail to acknowledge this, on a daily basis, we might fall in the trap of self-glorification...I did this, I earned this, I worked for this. Sure, God's blessing do not flow in the stream called laziness but in all my hard work and toil I must acknowledge that the Lord is the one who gives (...and takes away).

​2. Do good and share what you have

​Don't hold on tightly. In the end, we won't get to keep or take any of our stuff so it's best to store up riches in heaven by doing good and being generous with all my tangible and intangible gifts and resources. By sharing and giving I'm making a statement of faith - God is my provider, I don't ultimately control the incoming blessings.

If He has given me bread today I can trust in Him for bread tomorrow.

If I have been blessed I must be a blessing. 
​
​3. Live with an eternal perspective

Riches and earthly possessions are "so uncertain". We can be free from the bondage of material wealth and possessions by living with the end in mind, realizing that "heaven and earth will pass away but Gods word shall never pass away." In verse 19, Paul talks about taking hold of the true life, in other words, eternal life.

Today, as I go about life, do I realize that one day (soon and very soon) I'll see Jesus?

Keep the fire burning,
​Danny