What can you remember about 1998?

The Bulls won their sixth NBA Championship (Jordan’s last game as a Bull). The Broncos won their first Super Bowl. Bill Clinton was facing impeachment. “Armageddon” was a hit at the box office. “Seinfeld” aired its series finale. Frank Sinatra passed away at age 82. AND … Google officially launched.

What does this have to do with 1 Timothy, you ask? Reading this passage, I was immediately taken back to a band from 1998, Burlap to Cashmere. They released a song that year called “Treasures in Heaven.” And it’s right out of this passage.

Paul is writing to Timothy and warning him about people distorting the truth and promoting being a follower of Jesus to lead to material gain, encouraging him to be “steadfast in the faith” and pursue the good things, fight the good fight, and hold onto the promise of eternal life.

There is a danger in this life to want to cling to the material possessions we have or to be lured into wanting more. I know I have at times been guilty of thinking what I have is not enough. We compare. We covet. We fight for position. For what? An extra zero in our account balance? For self-worth or social status? It’s easy to read this passage and pass judgment on the people Paul is warning Timothy about, but how easy it is to get caught up in the snare of “the love of money.”

In contrast, when we pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness, we are rich in the currency of heaven. It’s not a treasure we can spend or build wealth with. It’s an investment in the things that will never lose value, will not corrupt, and cannot be stolen or taken away from us. It’s an eternal reward that pays dividends NOW in how we live and reach out to the world around us and share the everlasting love of Jesus.

Paul ends 1 Timothy by saying, “Guard what has been entrusted to you.” Keep it safe more than your earthly possessions. Protect it. Like a Furby still in its box … from 1998.

Reflection:

  • Take an honest inventory of how you view your possessions/wealth. Does it reflect the heart of Paul’s words to Timothy?
  • What changes can you make in your life to shift the focus to the eternal things like righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness?
  • Britney or NSYNC?