Storage Wars
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21
I bumped into a mate the other day at his new house. He’s pretty wealthy and has bought a house right near the beach. We were talking about his outdoor kitchen and how you just have to accept that the salt spray in the air will cause just about anything to erode and rust.
It’s just another example of the nature of this world. Moths and moulds don’t care whether your clothes are worth $10 or $1000. Thieves would prefer the more expensive option.
But there is one place that is impregnable from all the elements. Heaven’s treasures can never be stolen, nor do they deplete. Nor will they disappoint as so often this world’s treasures can.
So why do we do it? Well, heaven’s treasures are hard to see. Meanwhile, the treasures of this world are spammed in our faces. Sin makes us partial to immediate pleasure even if it might be at the cost of later gain. One in the bag as they say.
But this is where we need wisdom. We need God’s help and strength. To resist the siren’s call of pleasures and treasures. To be generous with what we have instead of hoarding for ourselves. And to see more clearly, what we might look forward to in a rich new creation → brimming with the joy of basking in His joy and the communal joy of His people.
For Today:
Pray:
Matthew 6:19-21
I bumped into a mate the other day at his new house. He’s pretty wealthy and has bought a house right near the beach. We were talking about his outdoor kitchen and how you just have to accept that the salt spray in the air will cause just about anything to erode and rust.
It’s just another example of the nature of this world. Moths and moulds don’t care whether your clothes are worth $10 or $1000. Thieves would prefer the more expensive option.
But there is one place that is impregnable from all the elements. Heaven’s treasures can never be stolen, nor do they deplete. Nor will they disappoint as so often this world’s treasures can.
So why do we do it? Well, heaven’s treasures are hard to see. Meanwhile, the treasures of this world are spammed in our faces. Sin makes us partial to immediate pleasure even if it might be at the cost of later gain. One in the bag as they say.
But this is where we need wisdom. We need God’s help and strength. To resist the siren’s call of pleasures and treasures. To be generous with what we have instead of hoarding for ourselves. And to see more clearly, what we might look forward to in a rich new creation → brimming with the joy of basking in His joy and the communal joy of His people.
For Today:
- What is one way humans store up treasures on earth?
- How have you experienced the temporary nature of earthly possessions?
- How can we store up treasures in heaven? What does that look like?
Pray:
- Praise the Father for His offer to share in His riches.
- Give thanks for Jesus Christ who shares His rewards with us.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to give you and others wisdom when it comes to possessions.
Posted in Matthew
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