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Life That Is Truly Life

Over the years, I’ve read Paul’s first letter to Timothy many times.  But, I never saw it! 

In retrospect, I think I skipped right over it because I thought the opening words of the section could never apply to me.  So the rest of the section never penetrated my thinking.  But, as I was recently working through some cross-references, there it was:

…”so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (NIV).

Wow, life that is truly life, what is that?

That’s actually the conclusion of the section.  It starts with “Command those who are rich in this present world…” (1 Tim 6:17-19).  Since I have never thought of myself as rich, at least according to North American standards, I glossed over the rest of the words and missed that part about “life that is truly life”!

The command that Paul gave to the rich was to not put their hope in wealth but to put their hope in God. Paul also encouraged them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share.  And, as those things were done, they would be laying up treasure in heaven, and by doing so, might take hold of the life that is truly life.

While I may not be wealthy beyond my wildest dreams, I am rich in many ways in terms of time and talents and yes, even of treasure and I can and absolutely should share all those. 

And, as I put my hope in God, do good, give generously and share, I begin to take hold of the life that is truly life!





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