Have Hope in the Lord.

1 Timothy 6:17-18
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them 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.

Paul lists several strong requirements for those that have wealth.
1. To do good;
2. To be rich in good works;
3. To be generous to those in need; and
4. To be ready to share with others

I know what you may be thinking..."I don't fit into this category. What do I do from here?" You may not be rich in a literal sense, but compared to the rest of the world, I bet you are.

Numbers three and four must be highly important since the same thing is generally stated twice. "Be generous to those in need" and "be ready to share with others" are clearly emphasized in Paul's message. He wants you to set some of your expenses aside and give them to the less fortunate. Don't keep the money all for yourself. Let others see the love of God by giving! (see early December posts about giving starting December 5).

I kinda got on a different rant that I planned today, but it is important to note that money should not get in the way of God. Don't forget to put your hope and trust in God, "who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment."

"The miserable have no other medicine
But only hope." ~William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure