Treasures In Heaven
Be Strong, Be Well — Friday, February 5, 2021
A news story this week focused on the CEO of Amazon stepping aside to fill a different role with the company. It doesn’t mean he will make less money. After all, who wants to make less? He was the richest man in the world up until a few weeks ago when the Tesla guru took the top spot.
One thing caught my attention. The article explained how difficult it was for these men to be charitable. Although they set up foundations, and give to those less fortunate, they have a hard time fulfilling their advertised intentions. A comment was made how most (not all), but most wealthy people are the least charitable.
Worldly people put their trust in things that exist here in this life, things that can be seen, touched, and enjoyed now. They show no interest in finding things of spiritual value.
Jesus talked frequently about such matters. Remember the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16? Or the Sermon on the Mount, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay 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 will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21).
We may have the tendency to miss a personal application, because we’re not millionaires or billionaires. Imagine the good things we could do with all that money! It's not how much we have. The principle that should hit home to us is, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Treasure is treasure, no matter the size. Whatever is more important to us than our spiritual wellbeing and that of others, this treasure will be the obstacle that keeps us out of heaven.
Stay focused! Don’t let the temporary, fleeting things of this world cloud our vision and cause us to lose out on the most valuable thing we could ever have—the salvation of our soul and a beautiful home in heaven for eternity! —Chris