1 Timothy 6:17-19 — Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Myra and I went to the choir picnic tonight. It was a wonderful time, special moments with a group of people who really understand this passage that popped into my mind today.
It’s a funny thing about the people who we were with. They sort of turn the scripture upside-down. Now if any of you are reading this, please don’t get embarrassed. I know some other people who are like this too.
Nobody this evening was ashamed to enjoy the great food and company. They all know that it is the living God who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
There was fun and friendship — and maybe not everyone felt the same thing, but it felt like worship to me.
The next thing I know about the people I was with is that quietly they do good, they are rich in good works, they are ready to distribute, and (naturally, I suppose, for a choir, they are “willing to communicate”). Actually, they’re a fascinating bunch. When we sit down, from time to time things will slip out about a mission trip here, or a ministry there … incidentally, never as a boast or self advertisement, just part of the story telling.
The last thing I know about the group is that they are certainly not high-minded, nor trusting in uncertain riches! What I don’t know is which of them, if any of them, are rich in this world — it just doesn’t show!
I love what William Barclay says about this passage:

Every time we could give and do not give lessens the wealth laid up for us in the world to come; every time we give increases the riches laid up for us when this life comes to an end. …If wealth ministers to nothing but personal pride and enriches no one but the wealthy individual, it becomes that person’s ruination, because it impoverishes the soul.

I know a couple of men who have done well, financially, in life. Sadly, they don’t share … and as life has gone on they have become isolated and unhappy … I didn’t see anybody like that at the picnic tonight!