Scripture

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

1 Timothy 6:7 (NIV)

Observation

According to Kiplinger, “the number of millionaires” in the world is “expected to reach 86 million by 2027” (Pomroy, 2023). That’s a lot of people with a lot of money. However, this number is still small compared to the 2,781 billionaires. Despite the vast amounts of wealth these individuals possess, it’s important to remember this verse from 1 Timothy, which assures us that we brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out of it.

Some people think that God has something against those who have a lot of money because of what Jesus said about the rich entering heaven:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 19:23-24 (NIV)

However, the Lord has nothing against those with material wealth. The issue is not the wealth itself, but the attitude towards it, as revealed by Paul in 1 Timothy 6:17:

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 (emphasis added).

1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV)

Whether we are monetarily wealthy or blessed with other sorts of “wealth,” such as health, good looks, or lots of friends, the issue arises when we place our confidence in these blessings instead of glorifying the One who gave them to us—God.

Therefore, regardless of how rich we consider ourselves, we should follow Paul’s command to Timothy in verse 18:

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV)

Although we brought nothing into this world, we can take something out of it by investing in others as Christ invested in us. This is highlighted in 1 Timothy 6:19:

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.

1 Timothy 6:19 (NIV)

Application

The surest way to build up treasures for the coming age is to invest in eternal things. Since there are so few eternal things around, it’s not difficult to determine what they are. Indeed, what are these “eternal things”?

Consider God’s investment:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (NIV)

The Lord loved us so much that Jesus died for us so that whoever believed the gospel message would “not perish but have eternal life.”

As Christians, we are called to live, not for ourselves, but for others:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

Prayer

I praise you, Father, for who you are. I repent for the times when I have placed my trust in something other than you. Thank you for this insight today from your word. Please help me to invest in others as you have invested in me. Lord, look upon those reading this today and help them too. Lead and guide them in the way you would have them to go and may you get the glory in all our lives. Thank you for doing these things. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.