Aspire for True Life

Daily Devotional – Thursday, July 6, 2023
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 6:19 (NIV)

Every human being desires to have a good life. While the definition of such a life differs with individuals, it generally entails having good health, wealth and happiness. How then, is it that we never get satisfied even when we attain this ideal existence? Can we aspire for true life and attain it?

Trust not in Riches

Apostle Paul thinks so. In his faster letter to Timothy, Paul instructs the young pastor:
“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.” (1 Timothy 6:17-18).

Defining True Life

The apostle raises a number of critical issues. One, the rich should not trust in their wealth because of its fleeting nature. Rather, they should trust in God, the Source and Giver of wealth. Indeed, God-given wealth is a source of enjoyment or happiness.

Secondly, earthly wealth must serve the nobler purpose of relieving the needs of the poor in society. The truly rich abound in good works. They consider themselves conduits for God’s blessings. Through them, God blesses the less fortunate.

Take Hold of Eternal Life

The climax of this passage is the motivation for benevolence. “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.” (Verse 19).

Yes, there is true life beyond the current one. Other Bible versions identify is as eternal life. God-inspired kindness is an investment we make for eternity where we will experience true life – original and unalloyed! It is preposterous to enjoy the pleasures of this transitory life and miss the life that is truly life.

Aspire for True Life

Even with its best trappings of advances in medicine, better hygiene, hassle-free travel, convenient technology and unfettered pleasure, the current existence is not true life. Devoid of God, our present life will not go beyond the grave.

Consequently, aspire for real life. By the grace of God, strive to enter by the narrow gate that you may forever be linked to the only true Source of life – God. Become a faithful steward of God’s resources on earth that you may take hold of eternal life.

Prayer
Dear God, I aspire for true life – to spend eternity with you. Make me a faithful steward of Your treasures. May I trust in You always.