Truly Life

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life"- 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV).

What does that mean to "take hold of the life that is truly life?" The proverbial man climbs to the highest mountain peak, seeking the wise old sage, to ask the all important question: "What is the meaning of life...true life?" The answer sounds like a riddle: If you give freely, you grow richer; but, if you refuse to give to others, you suffer great loss (Proverbs 11:24). Yet, who did Christ Jesus say had given more the day he watched worshipers drop their gifts into the temple offering box?...The one who put in the least! What? The proverb said to give more. Yes, but Jesus explains that the others gave "out of their abundance, but she [the poor widow]...put in all she had to live on" (Luke 21:1-4). She, in reality gave the most. She was laying up treasure for the coming age; she was building a firm foundation. The others were selfish, she was generous. Whether giving financially or in good deeds, it's not what we give, but how we give, that allows the giver to take hold of the life that is truly life.