“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21
So Christmas is over, and all my hearts desires have been filled, right? Not really, as I prepare for this upcoming move I realize how much stuff (I am substituting this word for another that isn't so nice) I have that isn't worth anything, but I am sure at the time I thought this was what I desired and had to have.
Having children is like glimpsing into a small portion of what it must be like with our relationship with God. After all, we are children of God and I know that I often act like one, especially in this area. My eight year old will come to me saying "Dad, I really want this toy, I need it daddy please!" She wants this toy so badly and will even beg for it. I look at what she wants and I realize it will only satisfy her for a short amount of time. I often shake my head thinking if she only could see how unimportant this toy really is, but then again I wonder how many times God shakes His head at me when I do the same thing. "I need this new tablet, I need a new TV, I need, I need, I need! I might not be begging to my parents like she does, but I vocalize this "need" to people around me and to God. And let me point out that the word "need" is often used here, not want. It is very overused considering the only things we "need" in life are food, water, shelter and salvation; the rest are just conveniences. What I really need instead of the tablet and TV is to put them away and spend more time with my family and friends, and build up the treasures that matter.
So lets say I didn't have half of the "stuff" I have. What would be the plusses and minuses. What would be the bad aspect of not having it. What could I have done with the money that I spent on all this "stuff"? Could have I given more to the church? Could I have given to the poor? Could I have invited a non-believer over and given them a meal?
What is scary about the verse is the very end. I look at what I have and according to the verse that is where my heart lies. I am not proud of what I have stored up in.
Lord, I ask you to really help me with my priorities. As I move and start over I pray that you help me realize what I should store up. Thank you for second chances. Thank you for the amazing gift of salvation. I pray that I use the resources you have given me to help give others the gift of salvation. In Jesus name, Amen.
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