“As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy (εἰς ἀπόλαυσιν). They are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, generous and ready to share (κοινωνικούς), thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed (τῆς ὄντως ζωῆς).” (1 Tim 6: 17-19)
I am not “rich in this world” in the financial sense, but God does “richly provide” me “with everything to enjoy.” So this Nativity Fast, which brings me to pay closer attention to how I use my “everything,” I’ll apply the Apostle’s instructions to myself, and try to ”enjoy” my material blessings God’s way. Because His way of “enjoying” physical health, food, drink, time and money brings peace, while “not” His ways bring uncertainty and anxiety, in the long run.
As I’m surrounded by the hustle-and-bustle of the Christmas “shopping season,” let me be consumed not by consumerism, but by the life-giving Spirit of this fasting-season. Let me let Him nudge me toward healthy eating, drinking, and spending-decisions today, that I may “lay up” a truly “good foundation for the future,” in this life and beyond it. God, help me to “do good“ and to be “generous“ both to myself and others, on this day of the Nativity Fast, as we re-focus our hopes not on “uncertain riches,“ but on Your kind of life,“which is life indeed.“
