For years when I read 1 Timothy 6:17, “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy,” I viewed myself as the one who was instructing the rich rather than the one who was rich. That was until I read the book “The Hole in our Gospel” by Richard Stearns. That book rocked my world!
If you want to see how you compare with the rest of the world, just click on the link for the Global Rich list. It’s amazing, if your income is $25,000 per year you are wealthier than approximately 90% of the world’s population (if your income is $50,000 you are wealthier than 99% of the world’s population).
Now when I read 1 Timothy 6, I apply all of the passage to myself, “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,” (verse 18). As those who are rich will you join me in being rich in good works, generous, and ready to share!
December 10, 2010 at 9:17 pm
You are welcome Vera, it was great having you in our course!
December 10, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Awesome!! Thanks for sharing and making an impact on my life. I am changing into a better person and this link is so helpful and inspirational.
December 9, 2010 at 7:58 pm
You’ve raised a good question, it’s worth considering.
December 9, 2010 at 4:29 pm
If $50k/year is at the 99th percentile in the world, what is it in the US? When we `rich’ in the US give to the `poor’ in the US, could it be that these US `poor’ are nevertheless at a relatively high income percentile in the world? Does that mean we should more seriously look into giving to the really poor people outside the US?
December 9, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Thank you for the great reminder Dr. Higgins. I love you reading your thoughts. Thanks for posting them.