| As a child of the 80's,
I grew up watching Robin Leach.He brought the lives of celebrities into
my home with the hit show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.I loved his
English accent, but I loved what he represented even more:outrageous wealth.A
400 foot yacht with a basketball court?Now that's living.That was something
I could get on board with.When I was younger, I was impressed by people
who could buy anything they wanted.Now I'm impressed by people who could
buy anything they want, but choose not to because they realize that 'stuff"
has no lasting value.
We're in the middle of a
five part series that explores the five uses of money.This month, we're
looking at lifestyle.In our effort to attain the "lifestyles of the rich
and famous" we often overspend and become the poster children for the "lifestyles
of the poor and infamous."It doesn't usually happen overnight, but it does
happen over time.There is a phenomenon called "lifestyle creep."While there
is no official definition that I can find for lifestyle creep, I have come
up with this definition:
Lifestyle creep (v.) -
the allocation of additional resources dedicated to selfish wants.The subtle
change we make when our wants become our needs.
The Apostle Paul wrote these
words to his disciple, Timothy when he was teaching him how to address
a certain group of people.
17Command 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. 18Command them to
do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
19In 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.(NIV). Timothy 6:17-19
Some of you are reading this
and just tuned out.You think this doesn't apply to you because he's talking
to rich people.But, how do you define rich?Most of us don't feel rich because
we know many others who have more than us.But, have you ever stopped to
think how much you really have?According to Global Rich List (www.globalrichlist.com),
if you earn $37,000 per year, you are in the top four percent of wage earners
in the world.If you earn $50,000 per year, you are in the top one percent
of wage earners in the world.Put in that perspective, most of us are doing
just fine and would be considered rich.Paul is talking to us!
I find it fascinating that
Paul doesn't say "command those who are rich in this present world not
to be rich."Obviously, he doesn't believe there is anything inherently
wrong with being rich.However, he does give us instructions on how we should
behave as rich people.He goes on to say we shouldn't be arrogant or put
our hope in our wealth because wealth is so uncertain.Pride is a constant
danger with riches. It is very easy to believe that we are more because
we have more than another man has.Paul is saying that is simply not true.Wealth
is uncertain, but God is not which is why he goes on to tell us to put
our hope in God.God knows our tendency to trust in riches instead of in
Him. He guards us against this danger because He wants us to trust in that
which is most certain - in Him and not in uncertain riches.
In verse 18, he teaches us
how to behave rich.He instructs us to be "rich in good deeds."This isn't
average American good.This is rich good.Many think the main reason for
giving unto the Lord is because the church needs money. No. The most important
reason to give is because you need to be a giver. It is God's way of guarding
you against greed and trust in uncertain riches. God will provide for His
work even if you do not give; but what will happen to you?When you commit
to give, it's easier to keep your lifestyle in check.
Jesus said you can't serve
God and money.He could have said "you can't serve God and the devil."But,
he chose to say money.That tells me that money is the number one competitor
for our hearts.One of the best ways to extinguish the fire that money can
burn in our hearts is to choose a lifestyle that is consistent with what
God would have us live.
Paul finishes by saying that
we need to focus on the eternal instead of the temporary.Paul's idea is
to Timothy: Leave the pursuit of money aside and be content with your work
as a minister of the gospel. Your hand is not big enough to lay hold of
two things. Therefore, since you can only have one, see that it is the
vital thing. Lay hold on eternal life.
Maybe you have found yourself
getting caught by lifestyle creep and you haven't been able to share the
way you want to.Make choices now that will have an impact not only in this
life, but in the coming age. |
