As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV)
Haughty has always been a word that I think I know what it means, but I never truly take the time to confirm my thoughts. The Greek word used here is ὑψηλοφρονεῖν (hypsēlophronein), which literally means “to think high things of oneself” or “to be high‑minded.” This haughtiness Paul is speaking of is a pride rooted in the financial wealth and riches that seemingly provide a person with security and self-sufficiency. It is the haughty attitude of thinking too highly of oneself and looking down upon others with less material wealth or opportunity. This haughtiness not only affects the outward relationships of a person, but it infects their spiritual relationship with God. It is a short trip from a haughty attitude to an attitude of self-righteousness and self-sufficiency that leads to setting ones hope on the false security of riches and wealth. Meaning, we place our hope in the gifts we have received instead of the gift-giver “who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”
I must admit that initially I tend dismiss this section of 1 Timothy as I mistakenly assume that those “rich in this present age” does not apply to me. This false assumption is a continuing problem for me in my life as I typically think of wealth in comparison to others in my circle of influence or even in comparison to my own country and other wealthy countries. You see, I am already starting from a point of haughtiness in my heart.
As I look again at this verse, I am struck by the last phrase, “who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” You see, there is a material wealth and richness that truly is a cause for haughtiness. Yet, there is also the fact that God has richly blessed each and every one of us with everything to enjoy. As I look out the window in my study I am gazing at the beauty of nature and the world around me. There are an abundance of trees and a small creek, all teeming with a multitude of birds and wildlife. This is part of the rich provision that the Lord has provided for my (and our) enjoyment.
As with all of life, the problem in my heart centers on my own pride and selfishness. I want to define, and I allow the world to define for me, what the meaning of riches actually means. There is a reason that companies spend billions of dollars every year to advertise and market their products. Our modern culture is hyper focused on the pursuit of haughtiness. I saw a social media post the other day that was truly amazed by the fact that the daughter of a rich athlete was seen using an iPhone that was two models behind. The commenter was amazed by her humility to be seen without the latest and greatest model phone. I say that to not shame this person, but to remember that this same thought is in my heart each and every moment of every day. I want these things as well. Whether it is living well beyond my means financially or just complaining about those who do. My heart yearns to bring down those who seemingly have more than me and look down upon those who have less.
The way of Christ is to live a life that is simply content with the riches of God’s kindness toward me. Whether it be in poverty or luxury, the abundant love of Jesus for me is the far superior riches that are available to me. It is in the riches of God that I will find enjoyment and contentment. There is breath in my lungs because he richly loves me and cares for me. There is no room for haughtiness for each person in this world is special and unique to our great and amazing God. He loves each of us and desires to have an intimate caring relationship. So, we set our hope on the perfect Savior and not on the fleeting wealth of this world. My hope rests secure in the security of knowing that the eternal Son of God has paid the full price for my sin and now sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for me every moment of every day. It is there that my heart can find rest and peace and comfort and fulfillment and joy!