CONSEQUENCES OF GOOD WORKS&GENEROSITY
We have examined Paul's injunction to the rich in 1 Tim 6:18. Paul enjoined the rich to do good, to be rich in good works and generous to those in need and always ready to share with other.
1 Timothy 6:19 TPT
[19] These spiritual investments will provide a beautiful foundation for their lives and secure for them a great future, as they lay their hands upon the meaning of true life.
In the text above (v19), Paul called good works&generosity "Spiritual investments". This phrase is heavy and loaded. Meaning that when rich believers do all that is stated in verse 18, they are investing.
In the business world, when you invest, you'll get returns on investment. No investor engages in any investment without expecting returns. Investment is deliberate and of value for the future.
The first consequence of this "spiritual investment" is that it will provide a beautiful foundation for life. Every solid building that is standing stands on a solid foundation.
The generous man is not just adding value to others but to himself as well but the foundation of his life is being made beautiful and solid.
Generosity don't die. It builds and rebuilds the life of the generous.
When Dorcas died in the bible, her generosity spoke for her when it mattered most. The poor stood their ground asking Peter to pray. God honoured their request and Dorcas came back to life. Her investment into the poor yielded when it mattered most (Acts 9:36- 43).
Do you have enough investment in the lives of the poor that can speak for you when it matters most? A wise rich man will not just invest in stocks but in the poor and less privileged. He won't join people to mock them.
Second benefit of this spiritual investment according to Paul in verse 19 is that it is a way of securing a great future. This is profound. I was surprised to find this in the new testament.
Seeds of generosity sown by the rich into the lives of the poor don't die. They go into the future to wait for the generous as bountiful harvest.
Dearest, use earthly riches to build a solid foundation for your life and secure your future. Don't forget, seeds of generosity don't die. The poor also have influence with God.
"Insult your Creator, will you? That’s exactly what you do every time you oppress the powerless! Showing kindness to the poor is equal to honoring your maker" ( Pr 14:31 TPT)