Getting ready for the future with your finances

“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. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

In the West, we live in a society that is generally rich. And as wealth increases, it seems that talk of saving up and storing up wealth for the future increases as well.

We’d do well to listen carefully to Paul’s instructions to rich people here.

How do we store up a good foundation for the future? Through savings accounts and retirement funds? This verse would suggest that it’s actually through the reverse, through giving our money away. As we give and share, we lay up a good foundation for the future, a foundation more sure than any wealth that we could amass and hold ourselves.

How do you get ready for the future? How do you make sure you have treasure laid up as a truly firm foundation for the future? By giving your treasure away.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” (Luke 12:32-33)