The following line from the latest ad campaign for Edward Jones caught my attention: “The key to being rich is knowing what counts.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19 reads, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 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.” Let me call your attention to three things in this passage.

First, there is the need to transvalue riches. According to the "Collins English Dictionary," “transvalue” means “to evaluate by a principle that varies from the accepted standards.” 1 Timothy 6:17 reads, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:9-10 reads, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” In His parable of the Unjust Steward Jesus issues the following warning in Luke 16:11: “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” Do you hold Christlike values concerning riches?

Second, there is the need to transact riches. 1 Timothy 6:18 reads, “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.” Ephesians 2:10 reads, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” These good works are God directed not self-directed. Remember the warning of Jesus’ parable of the Rich Young Ruler recorded in the synoptic gospels. Jesus gave him an opportunity to sell what he had, give it to the poor and to follow Him. What an opportunity! Do you take Christlike ventures with riches?

Third, there is the need to transfer riches. 1 Timothy 6:19 reads, “storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” Christian, remember eternal life begins when you trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, but one day you will be transitioned from time to eternity. It is wise to live with this in mind. Matthew 6:21 reads, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus concludes His parable of the Rich Fool as follows: “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). Do you have Christlike vision about riches?

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.