“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.” (Matthew 6:19-20, NLT)
Do you cherish that brand new Pro V1 golf ball or that new club you just purchased?
You know, there is nothing quite like hitting a brand new golf ball. It’s nice and white with no dings on it, and when you clean it before you putt it, it feels so good! As the round goes on, of course, that ball might gather some scuff marks and lose its glowing luster. It also may not seem to respond as well as it did early in the round (though I’m sure the manufacturers would argue that’s all about your tired swing, Bub!).
And yet, I am still too often fooled by the lure of shiny possessions. I am guilty of storing up things here on earth, even though I know at those things rust and rot away. Sound like a familiar condition?
Perhaps you have heard that only three things last forever: God, God’s word, and people! As in today’s passage, Jesus made many references to money and possessions when he taught. In fact, 15 percent of everything Christ said relates to this topic. He said more about money and possessions then he said about evangelism or heaven and hell.
Why does Jesus warn us against storing up treasures on earth? Because they have no lasting worth!Why did Jesus put such an emphasis on money and possessions? Because there is a fundamental connection between our spiritual lives and how we think about and handle money. We may try to divorce faith and finances, but the Lord doesn’t.
I am reminded of what Martin Luther said. He said everyone needs two conversions: one of the heart and one of the pocketbook (or wallet).
I want you to notice why Jesus warned us. He didn’t warn us against storing up treasures on earth because they are bad. We all know they aren’t. They are part of the good gifts that God gives us in this life and on this earth. They are part of what Paul wrote we need to receive with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:3). They help to make life comfortable and enjoyable and less stressful.
So why does Jesus warn us against storing up treasures on earth? Because they have no lasting worth! I love the wisdom God gave to the writers of Proverbs: “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle” (Proverbs 23:5, NIV).
What an image! The next time you find yourself clinging to a prized possession—a car, a house, that new driver or putter, a new Pro V1—imagine it sprouting wings and flying off. Sooner or later, Jesus taught, all these things will disappear.
Jesus cautioned against storing up earthly treasures because they don’t last—not into eternity, and often not even here. We’ve all heard the joke: you will never see a hearse pulling a U-Haul. Maybe it’s time to laugh and learn.
—
Dereck Wong
Originally published February 16, 2011
Copyright 2011 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash