Rich

I Timothy 6:11-19

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses...

...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 to be generous and willing to share. 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.

Two nights ago, my oldest son found the 90's Macaulay Culkin, "Richie Rich," movie on TV. He'd never heard of the comic book or the old cartoon but the title caught his attention and he wanted me to watch it with him.

There was the kid who has everything...amazing mansion, staff at his beck and call, private helicopter. In the opening scene he was practicing his baseball hitting on the front lawn of the estate...with Yankees' Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson making an appearance as his instructor.

Not bad.

Of course, you know how the story goes: the boy who has everything really is missing the things that money can't buy. He sees kids playing baseball together in the city, but isn't allowed to play. His dad, the amazing provider, doesn't have time to spend with him. By the end, everything is resolved perfectly, in the way it only happens in the movies, and Richie learns what life is all about.

So, what about us? Following on yesterday's scripture, Paul tells Timothy to "fight the good fight" for a life full of things that will last. And then he reminds him of an amazing thing: "God richly provides us with everything for enjoyment."

That's so easy for me to forget. The beautiful sunshine and amazing fall breeze were there for everyone to enjoy yesterday. Soon, the amazing colors will put on their show, with no admission charged.

Maybe today you'll see the smile or hear the voice of someone you love.

Those things aren't for sale. Not even for Richie Rich.

God is still good, even when I forget it.

Prayer: O God, we pray that today you would help us fight the good fight. And we pray for all of those in our community and around the world who struggle in the reality of poverty.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.

Tomorrow's Scripture: Psalm 91:1-6