“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.” - 1Timothy 6:17This doesn't apply to you, right?
Well, uh, yes it does. In fact, you are precisely who it was written for. You don't think of yourself as one who has riches. However, it is not a stretch to say that you are in the top 5% of the richest people who has ever lived. I'm not exaggerating. Our conceit comes from neither knowing that nor appreciating it.
But, Paul is not talking about just the riches that we already have. He's talking about our pursuit of more. We pursue because we think that it will get us something or somewhere. That equates to me trying to get something for me. That is a works doctrine.
What about the riches that we already have? A lot of people accumulated a lot and now it is gone. What seemed like a lot that was gathered over decades is gone in a snap. You can see what that got them?
Think about this. The wisdom of this verse has lasted WAY longer than the riches of any man. What does that say about the wisdom of the Timeless One who inspired Paul to write it?
Remember, God's not telling you this to ruin your fun. He's telling you this because He doesn't want you to be hurt. So, with that in mind, ask yourself this question. During all the bad economics news, have your thoughts dwelled on any thing(s) that you have lost, could lose or can't get now?
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” - Psalms 20:7
