Richness

Life Notes—September 24, 2009 

“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                                   

This Sunday begins a six-week study series focusing on financial management, entitled “Enough!”  The series follows the book Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity, by Rev. Adam Hamilton.  Tom’s sermon this Sunday is “Faith in the Midst of Financial Crisis.”  The scripture focus is 1Timothy 6:11-19. 

Are you rich?  I have a friend and co-worker who’s name is Rich.  He loves to approach people and say, “Hi!  I’m Rich!”  He will smile, knowing not everyone will catch or appreciate his play on words.  My friend Rich is ‘rich’ in subtle, dry humor and being around him is always an enriching experience for me.  

But are you rich?  Compared to who or what would you consider yourself rich?  What do you lack that would make you feel rich?  Do you, like me, confuse financial riches with security?  I remember early in our marriage, Carrie and I identified an amount of money we believed would signify financial security for us if we could only get our savings account up to that figure.  Did we think achieving that number would make us rich? Hardly, but we did think it would bring a measure of comfort and security.  

The writer of Timothy speaks of the ‘uncertainty of riches’ and warns us not to set our hopes on them.  He encourages being rich in good works and generosity and taking hold of ‘the life that really is life.’ Richness.  Fullness.  Enough.  Today, my family’s riches are not in the bank.  They are in the rich relationships we have built with family and friends, co-workers and brothers and sisters in Christ through church. Those riches are not threatened by life’s hardships and challenges; rather they grow and strengthen through adversity.  They are not dependent on the economy or financial advice.  The interest those riches accrue make our lives richer, fuller….and more interesting. 

Life worship is at 10:45 in Brady Hall. Traditional worship is at 8:30 and 11:00. Contemporary worship on the west campus is at 9:30.  I always find the worship and fellowship at First Church enriching.  I pray you will, too… 

Come home to worship this Sunday. 

Greg Hildenbrand, Life Worship Music Coordinator