As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. 1 Timothy 6: 17-19, NRSV.
We give you thanks dear LORD, for a glimpse into what constitutes the “true life,” as we meet around Your Word to study. In the holy name of Jesus Christ we pray, with thanksgiving. Amen.
I was somewhat surprised to come upon the last phrase of this text in the Bible. Years ago as a young girl, I heard a lot about the “real life!” In a moment of glee and, or, satisfaction, people would say things like, “Now, this is life!” “This is the life!” Or, “This is living!” Listening to them, you could conclude that what they considered the sum total of life, was the joy of the moment. At least, that is how it sounded. But life is so much more! Life is so complex! Life means so many different things to so many different people!
For the person who was abandoned as a child, what is life, anyway? Is it not in infancy and childhood that we unconsciously begin to define life, as we perceive it? If he or she was fortunate to be taken in by kind relatives or adopted parents, he or she may be able to experience a relatively “good life.” On the other hand, for the abandoned child who lived on the streets like a little street urchin, life could be reduced to, making the best of any situation. If they are hungry, they may steal food, or beg for food, thereby exposing themselves to the dangers of unscrupulous, or “sick” individuals who could take advantage of them. For many of these individuals life could become a curse.
For the person who suddenly finds himself or herself, homeless, life may seem very dreary, and foreboding, at the moment. He or she, may decide to put life on hold, until their situation normalizes, and they begin to live again, as they remember life before they became homeless.
For the person who was born in a home where there is a mom and a dad who love each other, and are well to do; who provide for the child’s physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and material, needs; we would describe the life of that individual as the “good life.” Nevertheless, according to our Scripture, there can be a difference between the “good life” and the “real life,” as heaven sees it. The difference obviously lies in what we do with what we have. The apostle describes it this way: “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous and ready to share[.]”
For us who live in these days and are witnessing our failing economy, the following words make all the sense in the world, “Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23: 5)! It is much better to follow the words of Scripture, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6: 19).
And how do we make our deposits in heaven’s bank? By sharing; “thus storing up for [ourselves] the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that [we] may take hold of the life that really is life.” You see my friends, the “real life” can begin here on earth, but it does not end, here on earth. Any of the persons in the three examples I used earlier, can be a candidate for the “real life,” regardless of how we, or they, see their lives now. For “real life” is not dependent on how much we have, but on our sharing what we have, in love. Motives are also very important in heaven’s eyes (1 Corinthians 13: 1-3).
Where is your banking institution located? That might be an indication of where you are planning to spend eternity, and whether you are planning to have merely a “good life,” or, “the life that really is life.” “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6: 21).