“Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 AMP)
REFLECTION
A while ago I was deeply challenged and stirred after listening to a testimony from a famous author. One of his books generated millions of dollars and he gave it all to help people in desperate need. And he and his family live simply, caring more for living beings than inanimate objects. God clearly continues to bless them, and they keep forwarding it to others. Their faith, hope and love are evident as they store up for themselves treasures in heaven. This raises important questions for us all: how much time, resources and effort are we investing in taking care of ourselves and mere earthly possessions, and how does that compare to how we help desperate people? For example: would you buy a flashy, expensive car or would you be happy with a simple, inexpensive car and giving the rest to those who have nothing? What do you treasure more: people or things? Good stewardship and daily responsibility has its place, but let’s draw near to the One who gives us every good thing, and ask Him to guide us in how we live and give. And while we are giving, in faith, I think it would be wise if we kept a quote by C.S. Lewis in mind: “We must, if it so happens, give our lives for others: but even while we’re doing it, I think we’re meant to enjoy Our Lord and, in Him, our friends, our food, our sleep, our jokes, and the birds’ song and the frosty sunrise.”
PRAYER POEM: Teach Me
Lord, thank You for every good gift You give. Teach me how to love and live in a way that gives glory to You, who forever is trustworthy and true.
