“What’s in it for me?” That is the question of our age. Maybe of every age, I don’t know. I don’t think so, to be honest, but I guess it is possible. That there is something of human nature about that question. Something in our DNA, in the very cellular make up of humanness that brings us to ask the ubiquitous question: “what’s in it for me?”
But I doubt it. Yes, there is self preservation and all of that. But this seems more than that. I think it is a product of our consumer culture. Our everything is for sale and the customer is always right mindset that leaks into our Christian life and language. And we begin to think that faith is a transaction. If I do this, then I will get that. If I pray this pray then I will get that result. If I attend worship this many weeks in a row, if I serve on these committees, if I give this much to the church, then ... well ... what’s in it for me?
Now, I know what you are thinking. After a set up like this, I should say that this isn’t an appropriate question. That faith isn’t a transaction and that it isn’t about you or what you can get out of it. And that’s exactly what I am going to say. But first I want to answer the question.
At least that’s what I think Paul is doing in our passage for this week. So, who am I to deny you an answer. So, the question is “What’s in it for me?” And the answer?
1 Timothy 6:17-19 As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, 19 thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
Any more questions? You did see it, didn’t you? Right there at the end. “So that they may take hold of the life that really is life.” That’s what’s in it for you, and for me, and for all of us. Life that really is life. Isn’t that something you could really wrap yourself around? Isn’t that something we have all been longing for? Isn’t that work a little effort, and little service, a little transaction? So, you are asking, how do I get it? How do I earn it? What do I have to do to make sure that I’m on the receiving end of that prize?
Nothing. Hang on. Look at the question you are (and everyone else is) asking: What do I have to do to get it? Nothing. You can’t get it, you can’t buy it, you can’t earn it. This is the gift that has already been given to you in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, Paul’s instructions through Timothy here are not about how to get it. You notice he says he’s talking about how to take hold of it.
It is one thing to have it, says Paul, it is quite another to embrace it. To live it to the full. And that is what he wants us to know, that we can grab hold of this life that really is life. So, how do we go about doing that?
Here at Aldersgate we are starting our Stewardship emphasis by reading together Bishop Robert Schnase’s book Extravagant Generosity. So we can’t help but notice how Paul compares a life based on riches with one based on generosity. “The uncertainty of riches,” Paul writes, can’t be a strong enough foundation for meaning and purpose in living. And to that we who have lived through a recession and the threat of a new one can’t help but mutter a cautious amen to that.
Instead, he argues, we base a life in doing good and being generous. The secret of taking hold of this life that really is life is to give it away. At every opportunity. On every occasion. We give it away, with willingness and with joy. We give it away, not keeping score except to note new and better ways to give.
And of course this means more than just money. It means time and talent and attention and effort and personality and ... well ... and money. Jesus spent an awful lot of time talking about your money. More than anything else, except the kingdom of God. Or, as he liked to call it, life. Life that really is life. It is in part what you do with your resources that determines your hold on this life. So a full life, a true life is a life of generosity.
Which means “what’s in it for me?” becomes a whole different question to people of faith. It means not what do I get, but how can I give? It means not what is coming my way, but what can I do for someone else? It means not how can I pile up on my, but how can I pile up on others.
OK, maybe that last line was influenced by the Notre Dame game I’m listening to from the other room. But you get the point. Set your hopes on God, writes Paul, and then you will know riches. Be generous and then you will know life.
But I doubt it. Yes, there is self preservation and all of that. But this seems more than that. I think it is a product of our consumer culture. Our everything is for sale and the customer is always right mindset that leaks into our Christian life and language. And we begin to think that faith is a transaction. If I do this, then I will get that. If I pray this pray then I will get that result. If I attend worship this many weeks in a row, if I serve on these committees, if I give this much to the church, then ... well ... what’s in it for me?
Now, I know what you are thinking. After a set up like this, I should say that this isn’t an appropriate question. That faith isn’t a transaction and that it isn’t about you or what you can get out of it. And that’s exactly what I am going to say. But first I want to answer the question.
At least that’s what I think Paul is doing in our passage for this week. So, who am I to deny you an answer. So, the question is “What’s in it for me?” And the answer?
1 Timothy 6:17-19 As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, 19 thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
Any more questions? You did see it, didn’t you? Right there at the end. “So that they may take hold of the life that really is life.” That’s what’s in it for you, and for me, and for all of us. Life that really is life. Isn’t that something you could really wrap yourself around? Isn’t that something we have all been longing for? Isn’t that work a little effort, and little service, a little transaction? So, you are asking, how do I get it? How do I earn it? What do I have to do to make sure that I’m on the receiving end of that prize?
Nothing. Hang on. Look at the question you are (and everyone else is) asking: What do I have to do to get it? Nothing. You can’t get it, you can’t buy it, you can’t earn it. This is the gift that has already been given to you in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, Paul’s instructions through Timothy here are not about how to get it. You notice he says he’s talking about how to take hold of it.
It is one thing to have it, says Paul, it is quite another to embrace it. To live it to the full. And that is what he wants us to know, that we can grab hold of this life that really is life. So, how do we go about doing that?
Here at Aldersgate we are starting our Stewardship emphasis by reading together Bishop Robert Schnase’s book Extravagant Generosity. So we can’t help but notice how Paul compares a life based on riches with one based on generosity. “The uncertainty of riches,” Paul writes, can’t be a strong enough foundation for meaning and purpose in living. And to that we who have lived through a recession and the threat of a new one can’t help but mutter a cautious amen to that.
Instead, he argues, we base a life in doing good and being generous. The secret of taking hold of this life that really is life is to give it away. At every opportunity. On every occasion. We give it away, with willingness and with joy. We give it away, not keeping score except to note new and better ways to give.
And of course this means more than just money. It means time and talent and attention and effort and personality and ... well ... and money. Jesus spent an awful lot of time talking about your money. More than anything else, except the kingdom of God. Or, as he liked to call it, life. Life that really is life. It is in part what you do with your resources that determines your hold on this life. So a full life, a true life is a life of generosity.
Which means “what’s in it for me?” becomes a whole different question to people of faith. It means not what do I get, but how can I give? It means not what is coming my way, but what can I do for someone else? It means not how can I pile up on my, but how can I pile up on others.
OK, maybe that last line was influenced by the Notre Dame game I’m listening to from the other room. But you get the point. Set your hopes on God, writes Paul, and then you will know riches. Be generous and then you will know life.
Life that really is life.
Shalom,
Derek
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