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The World and Its Treasures

“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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

This past month, our water heater broke and flooded the den on the lower level of our Spokane River home.  What a hassle!  Removing all the carpet, cutting open walls, and moving all that was stored in this room was a real chore.  The den was the graveyard of many books, older furniture, fishing and hunting gear, and pictures that brought back some good memories.

Over the weekend I spent about 20 hours moving all the “stuff” back into the refurbished room.  I wondered how I had collected so much fishing and hunting gear.  The sponsor support I’ve received during the forty-five years I was associated with these industries produced many worldly rewards.

I sorted through many items and at the end of the day realized I had two piles:  those things that had worldly significance (trophies, plaques, recognitions, game mounts, equipment, etc.) and those things that had eternal value (photographs depicting memories with our family, faith-based tapes, videos, and messages, a few bibles, and study materials for my doctorate).

I’ve enjoyed all the things God has entrusted to me while living my earthly life.  Many of these items mean a great deal to me but they won’t have a place in God’s Kingdom.  Come to think of it, with all the funerals I’ve ever done, I haven’t ever seen a hearse with a U-Haul trailer behind it.

The things most important to me are my relationship to God, my family, His word, and the friendships I have experienced.  None of the other stuff will last. In the book of Colossians we read, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”. Colossians 2:3 (NIV) In God are all the hidden treasures we will ever need.

Let’s be grateful for the prosperity we all enjoy, but remember that in the scheme of things, these earthly treasures will pass.