Ancient instructions to the rich

“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 ‭

Let us look at this definition of poverty by U.N. before we look into today’s quote:

“Fundamentally, poverty is a denial of choices and opportunities, a violation of human dignity. It means lack of basic capacity to participate effectively in society. It means not having enough to feed and cloth[e] a family, not having a school or clinic to go to, not having the land on which to grow one’s food or a job to earn one’s living, not having access to credit. It means insecurity, powerlessness and exclusion of individuals, households and communities. It means susceptibility to violence, and it often implies living on marginal or fragile environments, without access to clean water or sanitation”- United Nations, 1998

Society’s definition of rich, at times, can be misleading. It narrows it down to having a lot of money or abounding in possessions. Going by the definition of poverty, over half of the world have crossed over the poverty line, so it is safe to say, you are the opposite of poor- rich. It is important to say this because I have noticed with time people attach some exclusivity to riches.

Today’s blog post is addressed to you- the rich person. Apostle Paul was advising his protegé in Timothy in what to tell the rich parishioners in his church. I call it ancient instructions because this was given before the first century.

1. Do not be arrogant– Riches have a tendency to stroke our ego and make us have an inflated opinion of ourselves. This is a temptation when you can afford the things you want. It is important to remain levelheaded even if your financial bracket has changed.

2. Don’t put your hope in wealth- Wealth gives the false impression to provide us security, but the verse above says it is uncertain. There were more than 10,000 suicides between 2008 and 2010 during the global economic crisis. Money can fail! Money can disappoint! Its value can depreciate or appreciate due to external factors like panic. Your most, secured financial investment is as strong as someone’s fear and panic. Think about it. Is this what you want to put your trust in?

3. Put your hope in God- Rich people struggle to believe there is a God factor to their wealth and riches. It is true you worked hard on your part, but for a moment, acknowledge God’s help in your efforts. God richly provides for our enjoyment as the biblical quote alludes.

“Remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to become rich…” Deuteronomy‬ ‭8:18‬ ‭

This Bible verse was originally in a Hebrew text, and the word power in the Hebrew means strength, force, might, ability, substance. So God gives us all these things to become rich. Understood?

4. Do good- The essence of being blessed is to be a blessing. You do good by being rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share. Most millionaires and billionaires have said it on record that the gratifying part of their status is been able to help out. Believe it or not, your generosity will also lay aside a treasure in the hereafter. I think once in our lifetime, everybody must have the gratifying experience of being responsible for one’s welfare and helped him or her from point A to point B. You have crossed the poverty line not to indulge in your needs and fantasies only. Nothing wrong with that, but see the other side of the coin.

I am glad I got to come your way again. Thank you for reading and your support. I truly and deeply appreciate it.

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Till I come your way again...

Peace & Love