Treasures on Earth

Matthew 6:19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal”

There are so many things in life to ensure that we have an existence of comfort. If we pursue the accumulation of wealth, we can have even more comforts than before. In western culture, it is an expectation to pursue wealth so as to have larger homes, nicer cars, more expensive clothing, flying private or first class, fine dining, and more things to entertain us in and outside of our homes. Life can be quite easy if we pursue all these comforts. My human nature will try to avoid anything that is uncomfortable or causes me discomfort. But was I called to a life of comfort and ease? Is the Christian life meant to be luxurious?

In my spiritual reading last night, I was challenged by the author to consider in life what are useless things. Will a larger, thinner TV be something that will bring glory to God? Is the latest smartphone something that I need to further my ministry for Christ? Is having the most powerful, roomy, and fast car what I need to drive myself to church? I ask these questions not to challenge the reader to consider discarding worldly possessions, but merely to think about what can be used for the glory of God. I personally own useless things and regret having spent money on things that serve no benefit. How can I start to consider today, not laying up treasures on earth for myself, but laying up treasures in heaven? How can I start focusing on the ultimate long-term investment in Christ? That’s where I should place all of my investment and treasure with Christ. That’s where I want my heart to be… with Christ.