September 10, 2026 | Be Connected
A Word to the Wealthy
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17-19(NIV)
17 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. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 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.
Devotional
I recently turned 65. My mailbox has been blowing up with offers from financial advisors to make me wealthy with my accumulated savings. I have yet to receive a single piece of mail offering to make me rich in good deeds.
Ephesus was one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Roman Empire. The Temple of Artemis was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. A 24,000 seat theater was often filled with spectators ready to be entertained. The Library of Celsus, which would be built only a few decades later, would be one of the largest in the world. The column-lined main road was made of marble and its sidewalks were paved mosaics. People came from everywhere to visit, lodge, purchase, and make the Ephesians wealthy.
Some of the people who had become Christians in the previous decade were among those wealthy residents. Paul’s challenge to them was counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. He was telling them that their identity was not their money. Rather, their identity was their relationship with Jesus.
Indeed, Jesus had said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
When we draw our last breath, our legacy is not measured in how much we have accumulated. On the contrary, it is measured by how generous we have been.
