Trinkets or Treasures

Chuckle: A woman remarked to a man at a party, "You know . . . you look like my third husband." "How man times have you been married?" asked the man. "Twice," replied the lady!"

Good Quote: "Unless we place our religion and our treasure in the same thing, religion will always be sacrificed." --Epictetus

"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be" (Matthew 6:19-21 NLT).

As a child, I enjoyed watching the old western movies. I remember how the settlers moving west would try to trade worthless trinkets to the Native Americans for things of much greater value like land, horses, food, etc. The Indians were intrigued by the uniqueness of things they had never seen and were confused about their real value. Today, I believe many people are confused about the difference between trinkets and treasures. All the glitzy, enticing, and empty things valued by the world can easily confuse even Christians as to what is really important in life.

Jesus was keenly aware that material needs are a reality of life that all people face. He took those needs very seriously and had much to say about them. Material things are not bad in and of themselves. They become bad when we place more importance on them than our relationship with God. Jesus said, "But seek first his (God's) kingdom and his righteousness and all these (material) things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33 NIV).

Here, Jesus is teaching us that the most valuable treasure is found as we become Christians and focus our energy and attention on the things of his kingdom -- things important to God. Everything else is worthless in comparison. However, notice Jesus' promise to provide for our physical needs when we place God first in our lives.

As Jesus taught his followers, in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew, chapters 5 - 7, one of His major objectives was to teach us the difference between worthless trinkets and real treasures that will endure. Things of this world, regardless of their attractiveness, are mere worthless trinkets when compared with the eternal spiritual truths of God. No matter how much wealth we accumulate or how many possessions we have, they are utterly worthless compared to knowing Christ as Savior and Lord. In God's grand scheme of things, only our relationships with him through faith in Jesus Christ will be of eternal value.

Once we know Christ as Savior, He expects us to begin storing up treasures in heaven by our acts of love and kindness. We seek to please God by our living, giving, and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. As you mature as a Christian, the Holy Spirit will give you the ability to discern what is a worthless trinket and what is a priceless treasure.

 

Love, Jerry & Dotse