TREASURES OF THE HEART
Matthew 6:19-20
Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
We had a second home on the lake, a place where we could escape for a few days to relax and unwind, a gathering spot for the family during the summer holidays, and a dream destination for our retirement. However, life intervened, preventing us from spending as much time there as we desired. Tragically, the inevitable happened—thieves broke in. They shattered windows and damaged doors, stealing everything of value they could easily carry away and sell. Our tranquil sanctuary was violated, and our peace was shattered.
Proverbs 23:5
In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.
In the Book of Job, it tells us that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Maybe this was God’s way of telling us that we needed to be closer to home, closer to our family. Had we been living there when Steve’s aneurysm ruptured, he would have died; as we were too secluded, too far from any help that could have saved him.
In the end, what was stolen was just stuff, material possessions that could have been replaced if we had desired to do so; however, we chose not to. In fact, we sold the property. As I reflect on the situation, the losses, damage, and destruction of our retirement dream have made me realize that many things in life that we initially believed we needed were not essential and that we really only wanted them.
Love, joy, peace, faithfulness, patience, gentleness, and self-control are considered treasures from the fruit of the Spirit. These are the things I want in my life. Acts of kindness and compassion hold more value than a trinket on a shelf and don’t require dusting. As the seasons change, I’ll soon be cleaning my closet out and donating items to my favorite non-profit. I’m also thinking that some of my old towels need to be replaced, and those can go to the Humane Society.
Earthly treasures are lost to time and decay; heavenly treasures are permanent and will last forever. Which one of your treasure chests is overflowing?
Matthew 6:21
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
We had a second home on the lake, a place where we could escape for a few days to relax and unwind, a gathering spot for the family during the summer holidays, and a dream destination for our retirement. However, life intervened, preventing us from spending as much time there as we desired. Tragically, the inevitable happened—thieves broke in. They shattered windows and damaged doors, stealing everything of value they could easily carry away and sell. Our tranquil sanctuary was violated, and our peace was shattered.
Proverbs 23:5
In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.
In the Book of Job, it tells us that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Maybe this was God’s way of telling us that we needed to be closer to home, closer to our family. Had we been living there when Steve’s aneurysm ruptured, he would have died; as we were too secluded, too far from any help that could have saved him.
In the end, what was stolen was just stuff, material possessions that could have been replaced if we had desired to do so; however, we chose not to. In fact, we sold the property. As I reflect on the situation, the losses, damage, and destruction of our retirement dream have made me realize that many things in life that we initially believed we needed were not essential and that we really only wanted them.
Love, joy, peace, faithfulness, patience, gentleness, and self-control are considered treasures from the fruit of the Spirit. These are the things I want in my life. Acts of kindness and compassion hold more value than a trinket on a shelf and don’t require dusting. As the seasons change, I’ll soon be cleaning my closet out and donating items to my favorite non-profit. I’m also thinking that some of my old towels need to be replaced, and those can go to the Humane Society.
Earthly treasures are lost to time and decay; heavenly treasures are permanent and will last forever. Which one of your treasure chests is overflowing?
Matthew 6:21
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
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