“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
This passage points the way to a path that enables us to derive the most enjoyment and satisfaction from our financial assets. One source offers several insights that will enable the wealthy (as well as those of modest financial means) to secure the greatest measure of fulfillment, pleasure, and contentment from their monetary resources…
“Notice the four ways to enjoy riches:
(1) To do good—i.e. to find some area where help is needed, and supply the need. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God.
(2) Be rich in good works. This would seem to be but an emphasis of the former admonition. It suggests that the satisfaction and pleasure of the rich, will be found in work for Christ through their riches, instead of in the bank account.
(3) Be ready to share well and generously with others—find the real meaning of ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’. This is easily said by those who have but little—but it was originally said by Him who possessed all things (Act_20:35).
(4) Be ready to associate closely with those who have less—feel a real partnership with every other Christian—rich or poor. How pointed and pertinent these words are for the wealthy in Ephesus, and in all other places.” (1)
We should also remember that motivations are important when it comes to securing genuine satisfaction from earthly wealth…
“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 works.. They should also be openhanded (‘generous’), ‘ready’ and willing ‘to share’ with others generously what God had given them.
By doing so, they would be ensuring that the Lord would reward them for their faithful stewardship, and investing in ‘the treasure of a good foundation for the future’ when they stood before Him (cf. Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12:33-34; 18:22). Moreover, in so doing they would experience the fullness of their eternal life (‘life indeed’; cf. v. 12)… The whole teaching of the Christian ethic is, not that wealth is a sin, but that wealth is a very great responsibility.” [a] (2)
(1) Don De Welt, Paul’s Letters to Timothy and Titus, [Comment on 1 Timothy 6:18] College Press, Joplin, Missouri Copyright 1961
(2) [a] William Barclay, The Letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon, p. 55. Quoted in Dr. Thomas L. Constable, Notes on 1 Timothy 2020 Edition [D. The wealthy 6:17-19] https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/1timothy/1timothy.htm