1 Timothy 6

“Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.  Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good reserve [foundation] for the age to come, so that they may take hold of life that is real.”  1 Timothy 6:17-19 (HCSB)

No matter what time of the year it is, it’s always fun to think about the winter holidays.  I remember Christmas growing up.  And more specifically, I remember Christmas mid-morning.  I’m not talking about Christmas “morning,” where you ran into the living room and ripped through the wrapping paper.  I’m talking about an hour after you got dressed and went to the sidewalk to meet up with your friends to see what THEY got for Christmas!

One of my childhood friends was “Mark” (name changed).  Mark always had the best of everything.  His parents were well-to-do, so he had to practically machete through dense layers of presents to reach their Christmas tree.  I was lucky to get three gifts, including the yearly underwear and socks package, from my grandmother.

Two cool things about Mark: 1) he always complimented whatever I got, and 2) he let me play with all his stuff!!!  We’d meet on the sidewalk mid-morning.  I would be holding a football.  He’d be holding professional football tickets…then he’d invite me to the game.  He was rich in money but also generous.  Rich in good works.

Years later, I heard that Mark’s dad lost most of his money in a stock market crash.  Wealth is uncertain like that.  I wondered how their family coped with living on an average income.  I know they loved the Lord, so I hope they drew strength from their church.  

This year, when the season arrives, and before we share what we got for Christmas, how about letting people know how much they mean to us?  For that matter, why wait for the holidays?  It’s always good to praise the Lord for getting us through another year and for giving us hope for the future.  Let’s take hold of what’s real in this life and set our hope on God, Who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.