1 Timothy 6:18-19

1 Timothy 6:18-19

[18] That they do good,  that they be rich  in  good  works,  willing to communicate;  [19] Laying up in store  for themselves  a good  foundation  against  the time to come,  that  they may lay hold on  life. 

What does 1 Timothy 6:18-19 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul urged Timothy to instruct the rich to view their money as God"s enablement to accomplish good deeds. Rather than enjoying a reputation for having much money, they should cultivate a reputation for being rich in good deeds. They should also be openhanded, ready and willing to share with others generously what God had given them. By doing Song of Solomon , they would be insuring that the Lord would reward them for their faithful stewardship when they stood before Him (cf. Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:33-34; Luke 18:22). Moreover in so doing they would experience the fullness of their eternal life (cf. 1 Timothy 6:12).
"A kind heart as well as a generous hand is demanded of the rich." [1]
It is not sinful to be rich, and it is not godly to be poor. God has given wealthy Christians resources for ministry that other Christians do not possess. With these resources come the temptations and opportunities to misuse them.
Note that Paul did not say the wealthy should dispose of all or even most of their wealth. He said they should be "ready to share" ( 1 Timothy 6:18) as the Lord directed them. Presumably God will lead one person to do one thing with his or her money and another person something else (cf. John 21:22).
Note, too, that wealthy Christians should not feel guilty because they are wealthy, assuming that they have become wealthy legitimately. They should "enjoy" the benefits of wealth. This is difficult for some to do because we commonly equate personal enjoyment with the gratification of our flesh. The rich Christian should cultivate the joy that comes from laying up treasure in heaven by investing his or her life and wealth in what will endure forever. [2] Furthermore since everything we have is a gift from God ( 1 Timothy 6:17), we can enjoy everything.
This passage is one that most of us Western Christians in particular need to take to heart. In comparison with the rest of the world, we are wealthy. We must guard ourselves against the flesh and the voices in our culture that urge us to take a very different attitude toward money than what Paul taught.