Rich in Good Works

1 Timothy 6:18 (CEB) · Passing the Flame

“Tell them to do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share with others.” — 1 Timothy 6:18 (CEB)

Paul reroutes the whole conversation. Richness, he says, is measured in what we give, not what we keep.

Not long ago, while entering the week’s offering for deposit, someone came across an envelope tucked in with the other gifts. No name on the outside. No pledge card inside. But on the outside of the envelope was a small running tally, line after line, counting the two-dollar bills the giver had been placing inside Sunday after Sunday. The pattern had been going on long enough to require the count.

That’s what being rich in good works looks like. Unnoticed, unmeasured by the church, tracked only by a faithful hand and a faithful God.

Where is God inviting you to be rich in good things no one else will count?

Tomorrow morning, our congregation gathers to launch Passing the Flame around the life that really is life. If you are near McPherson, we worship at 8:30 and 10:15 at McPherson First United Methodist Church. Online worship is available at youtube.com/@mcphersonfirst. Come, and come generous.

Generous God, reshape our idea of wealth. Let our richness be measured in what we share, and our quiet faithfulness be counted by you alone. Amen.