When Robert Edmiston lost his job in the early 1970s, he used the money he received in severance pay to start International Motors. Edmiston went on to become one of the wealthiest business owners in the UK and one of the country’s most generous philanthropists. As a believer in Jesus, he felt compelled to use his wealth to start religious and educational charities that to this day bring hope to people around the world. With offices in Europe, Africa, North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, Robert Edmiston has donated hundreds of millions of dollars since 1988.
As Bill Gates once said, “I believe that with great wealth comes great responsibility.” If this is the case, what does God expect from the rich?
The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy with clear instructions on how the wealthy should use their resources. He urged the “rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable.” He encouraged them instead to put their trust in God, “who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17).
Paul also encouraged Timothy to tell the rich “to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others” (1 Timothy 6:18).
Having a grateful heart and a generous attitude isn’t reserved only for the wealthy. Paul’s words should resonate deeply in the heart of every believer in Jesus. We can all use whatever resources and talents God has blessed us with for the good of others. “This will lay a solid foundation for the future, so that [we] will know what true life is like” (1 Timothy 6:19 CEV).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 17:24–18:6
More:
Read Matthew 6:19-21 and think about what it means to store your treasures in heaven.
Next:
What resources, talents, or other gifts has God given you? How can you use your resources to further the kingdom of God and be a blessing?
Gary Shultz on July 24, 2017 at 6:05 am
Hi Ruth: Thanks for including the word resources. Some folks are on a limited income, some folks just don’t have a lot, but we all have some kind of resource. As we in America have experienced, throwing money at something is not always a good response. Sometimes we have to throw people or a particular person into the situation as the best response. In all cases praying forward is a good response. The most valuable resources this world will ever see is what comes from Jesus Christ. And we happen to be the main distributors for those products. Yes, money is an asset and is needed in ministry almost any where. I am conflicted about all the full press media we get from “charities” asking for money. There are so many, they sound so compelling; however, I stick with tried and true ministries, but there are many good ministries that we can invest. There many good places that need people to give of themselves. Thanks Ruth
Tom Felten on July 24, 2017 at 8:24 am
Ruth, some of the most generous people I’ve known haven’t had much by the world’s standard. It comes down to the heart in how we choose to offer our time, talents, and treasures. May God give us generous hearts that reflect His own!
Ruth O'Reilly-Smith on July 24, 2017 at 12:50 pm
I agree with both you Gary and Tom. We all have gifts, talents and resources other than money, which we can invest in the lives of those around us – like our time. I do think it’s particularly challenging for those who are financially wealthy though. Financial wealth can be a blessing if it’s all seen as God’s to use for His glory, or a burden and a stumbling block if it’s held on too tightly. May we live surrendered lives – holding lightly to all we have been blessed with, ready to use it all to be a blessing to others.