‘That they be not high-minded,’ – that is a very literal translation. It means conceited, thinking much of themselves – ‘nor trust in uncertain riches.’ Two great tendencies are identified: conceit and this inappropriate trust, which is so undermining of trust in God. ‘I feel secure. I'm well provided for. I can count on having some substance to safeguard against various perils and difficulties.’ That undermines dependence upon the Lord and trust in him. ‘Trust in uncertain riches’, and they are desperately uncertain. One could be made redundant; there could be a downfall in the economy, or there are other ways in which your riches may be useless. Maybe worries come with them and anxieties which eclipse any comfort or security you derive from them, because you are driven to maintain things. So much responsibility. What's the good of the comfort of the riches, when it is eclipsed by all the other anxieties that go with them so often. Your substance can make you feel a little bit special and superior to other believers, other brothers and sisters in the Lord, and you become unsympathetic to people who are not so well off, and yet it may be a complete accident that you are well off. It can affect your character, and lead to prayerfulness. It's the opposite of the virtues you're called to pray for: humility, meekness, a serving spirit, so even being well off can ruin your Christian character.
‘But in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.’ Sometimes we might use these words in our minds as a justification for having things that really are too expensive for us, or unnecessarily luxurious or self-pampering – the great excuse for the rich. But the meaning of the verse is that God has richly given us all ordinary things. The apostle isn't justifying super things. He's talking about the ordinary things of life. He's given you your family. He's given you your ordinary amenities to use for his glory, to live for him. Enjoy ordinary things, and thank him for them, and value them. How much thought have we given to the little children, to the adolescents, to the people we are charged to care for. If your heart starts hankering after luxuries, and excessive garments, and splendid homes, then this the antidote: trust in the living God. He is alive; he provides for you; he answers your prayers; he plans for you. He has you ever in his mind, and gives you richly, freely, every ordinary thing, so that you will thank him, and take pleasure in that, not lust after the next rank up.