God teaches us that storing up treasures on earth
is futile (Matthew 6:19-21). They will burn up like wood, hay and stubble and
not help us in our eternal life in His Kingdom at all (1 Corinthians 3:12).
We cannot take anything from this life with us into
the next life. We can, however, store up for our self treasures in heaven that
will last for eternity. Moths and rust will never destroy them, and thieves are
not able to steal them (Matthew 6:20).
Today, I noticed a woman crying about a lost jewel
from her bracelet. One of the expensive stones was missing and she was very
distressed about it. I tried to comfort her, but she was inconsolable. She
really cherished that extravagant gift from a special friend.
Authentic Believers have also received a cherished
gift from a beloved friend. Jesus laid down His life to bring sinners to
repentance. This is a free gift from God for all of us (Romans 3:23, 6:23).
However, we often rejoice more when we acquire an
earthly treasure than when we come to Christ for Salvation. We frequently take
God's love for granted, rather than recognizing the intrinsic value of this
only true treasure.
Jesus told us a parable about a woman who lost one
of her gold coins. The item was valuable to her, not only because of its
monetary value, but because of its sentimental value as well (Luke 15:8-9).
He tells us that her joy
in finding her coin is similar to the rejoicing going on in heaven when even
one sinner repents and turns his/her life over to God for salvation (Luke
15:10).
We can develop this same eternal mindset, which sets
us free from the cares of this life. We learn to care more for spiritual
matters than earthly ones, and the trials of life no longer devastate us.
Prayer:
Father God, remind us that putting our treasure
where moths and rust cannot destroy it, and where thieves cannot break in and
steal it, is so much more worthwhile than amassing worldly goods. Help us to
treasure our relationship with You more than anything this carnal world has to
offer.
Teach us to set our mind on things above, rather
than on things of the earth (Colossians 3:2). Help us to value our spiritual
life more than our temporal life, and heavenly treasures as more valuable than
earthly ones. We set our hope and trust in You and we look forward to spending
eternity with You.
Thought for the Day:
Our life in Christ is a priceless, dependable
treasure, which we cannot lose, and which will never be destroyed.
