Listen

Tell people who are rich at this time not to become egotistical and not to place their hope on their finances, which are uncertain. Instead, they need to hope in God, who richly provides everything for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share with others. When they do these things, they will save a treasure for themselves that is a good foundation for the future. That way they can take hold of what is truly life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Think

A Harvard research study spanning 80 years sought to find what led persons to have happy, healthy lives. Our culture would suggest that having wealth, which frees us to enjoy the finer things in life, is the key. However, that wasn’t what they found.

The study found that close, meaningful relationships were the best predictor of happiness and health. Those with satisfying relationships at age 50 were more likely to be healthier and happier at 80. In fact, relationships were a better predictor of heath than cholesterol levels! Researchers also found that loneliness was as bad for one’s health as alcoholism and smoking.

This should not be new information for us as Christ-followers. Our passage today tells us to be rich in our hope in God, which comes from a close relationship with God. We will be rich when we share in others’ lives as we serve them. When we invest in others, it is life-giving to both them and us. It’s pretty cool when Harvard backs up what scripture says!

Stella Perrin

Pray

God, thank you for calling me into relationship with you. Help me to make spending time with you a priority, that I may live in hope and enjoy your love. Lord, as you pour your goodness into me, help me to freely share it with those around me. Help me to be a blessing as I am blessed. Amen.

Go

Today, make room for God to reveal God’s self to you through the people you encounter, the beauty of God’s creation, and the quiet whispers of God’s Spirit.

And as your soul is filled with the reality of God’s limitless love for you, may it crowd out all the unimportant stuff that weighs you down, freeing you to share that love with others.