The Life that Really is Life

Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16; I Timothy 6:6-19

Our Psalm for the day, which has been made into some beautiful songs, tells a lot about the protection of God who will deliver us from trouble. The last verses tell how God will deliver and protect those who love the Lord. God will satisfy them with a long life and show them God’s salvation. There is no promise of riches here – no prosperity gospel, but what the Psalmist finds more important, protection and a relationship with God who brings long life and salvation.

Money is discussed in I Timothy. He continues his talk about godliness saying how there is great gain in it combined with contentment. The godly do not seek riches but are content with what they have – the basic food and clothing. Then comes the famous verse often quoted that the love of money is the root of all evil. Those who seek it fall into temptations and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction that can lead to wandering away from the faith when money becomes one’s god.

The author continues to say what we should desire and pursue that will bring us the life that really is life. What should we pursue? Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. We are not to set our hopes in riches which we have seen in the fluctuations in the stock market as being uncertain. But we are to set them rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. What are we to be rich in? Our passage says doing good and being rich in good works, being generous and ready to share. Storing up these spiritual deeds leads to the treasure of a good foundation so that we can take hold of the life that really is life.

Many may say that money provides security but as we return to Psalm 91 security is found in God our refuge and fortress. This is seen in keeping faith when we endure times of financial insecurity knowing that God will provide. We need to find our contentment in what we have and desire and live out good works and generosity. In this way we are not known for what we own but for what we do and live the life that really is life. Amen.

 

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