Wednesday October 13, 2010

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." - Matthew 6:19-20

Take a moment to think about just how much "stuff" you have. Go ahead, I'll give you a minute................

You probably came up with a list of stuff that could just about go halfway around the world right? It's true that as Americans, we have lots and lots of stuff. We are conditioned to believe that "he who has the most toys when he dies wins." Well, that could not be further from the truth. As Christians, Jesus tells us to store up our treasures in Heaven - NOT on earth. So does that mean that all the stuff we like the most here on earth, we should FedEx to heaven so it's there waiting for us when we get there? Hardly! Jesus is talking about spiritual treasures. What are spiritual treasures? Anything you do that follows God's commands in the bible. The more we do what God wants us to do, the more "treasures" we will have stored up in heaven.
Whenever I am tempted to buy something new, I always try to think to myself, "Do I really need this? How will this help me get closer to God? Or, how will it help further His kingdom? Could I use the money I would spend on this for something else?" Now that's not to say that we can't buy things, but have a little perspective. If your stuff is more important to you than Jesus, then you've got a problem. And think about it, you can't take anything with you when you die, so what's the use?!
Our ultimate reward waits for us in heaven, and that is a crown of righteousness and being able to finally see our God face to face.

Holy and precious Savior, thank you so much for all the things you allow us to have. We don't deserve anything, but you have blessed us with much. Help us not to idolize our "stuff" but to recognize that You are the giver, and that You are the most important thing in our lives. Help us to stay in your word, and to store up our treasures in heaven. Help us to be responsible with what you have entrusted to us. We thank you and we praise you, amen.

Lots of love,
Aubrey <><