Real Life
“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.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
When I was in college, I read Jesus’ words that he came “so I might have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). I wanted a full, abundant life! I wanted the good life! I wanted it all! Something inside of me told me that following Jesus would bring me on an adventure to discover the secret of living. I would learn what abundant life really meant.
I love meditating on this verse in Timothy. I love that Paul commands Timothy to put his hope in God and that God “richly provide us with everything for our enjoyment.”
He redefines “rich” and “wealthy” in this passage. He alerts us that we should be “rich in good deeds” and live generous lives. Instead of living greedy, self-centered lives, we focus on others. Instead of building up our bank accounts on earth, we store up a different kind of treasure in heaven.
We take hold of a different kind of life—the “life that is truly life.”
A life in Christ is a rich, enjoyable, treasure-filled life. It’s a generous life. It’s a good life. It’s a humble life that hopes in Jesus.
That’s the life that is truly life.
What’s holding you back from taking hold of the life that is truly life?