What is Your Treasure?

Chuckle: "Our neighbor, the president of the local bank, was ironing a clean shirt to wear to work one morning. "I'll bet," he said to his wife, "that I'm the only businessman in this town ironing his own shirt this morning." "You're probably right," she agreed. "That's because you didn't do it last night."

Quote: “Treasure your relationships, not your possessions.” --Anthony J. D'Angelo

"Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be" (Luke 12:34 NLT).

What do you think about, dream about, fret about, and talk about most frequently? The answer to this question will likely identify your most precious treasure in life. We live in perhaps the most materialistic and self-centered world in history. The "me" generation reflects the attitude that the whole world revolves around me and it's what I want that really matters. Our treasures can be laid up on earth or in heaven, and each of us must decide which is the most important in the grand scheme of life. "If you have something you can't live without, you don't own it, it owns you."

If you concentrate on what your money and possessions can do for you, they are your treasure. However, if you concentrate on what your money can do to improve the lives of others, it is not your treasure, but only a tool to be used in ministry. Where do you put your time, money, and energy? How should your attitude toward possession be changed in order to reflect kingdom values rather than earthly values? "Materialism has nothing to do with amount, it has everything to do with attitude."

If you're desire is for Christ to be in control of every aspect of your life, you will discover that concern for his kingdom will become central in your system of values. As your Lord and Creator, he wants to provide what you need as well as guide how you use what he provides. Jesus said, "Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern" (Matthew 6:32b-33 NLT).

In summary, if God's love touches your wallet and causes you to generously help others in the name of Jesus, you are storing up lasting treasures in heaven. Jesus said, "This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no holes in them. Your treasure will be safe -- no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it" (Luke 12:33b NLT).

An old Jack Benny skit illustrates how money can become more important to us than anything else. Jack was walking along, when suddenly an armed robber approached him and ordered, "Your money or your life!" There was a long pause, and Jack did nothing. The robber impatiently queried, "Well?" Jack replied, "Don't rush me, I'm thinking about it."

Have a great day as you consider what is your treasure!

Love, Jerry & Dotse