Teachings of Jesus- Treasures

My daughter has a bag or box of different things she treasures. They can contain different items any given week, but those are the things that are usually dragged around the house, scattered all over the living room, and negotiated over as we make outings on whether or not she can bring them. Though these things change any given time, one thing has stuck with her as most prized since she was very little- her bright, soft butterfly-patterned blankie. It has been so loved, that we've sewn it multiple times, tried to wash out stains that remain, and driven across the county to retrieve it before a night of drama ensues. It is truly the one thing she can't go far without.

I think we all have something like the favored blankie. It can be anything in adult life that you can't let go of or have anxiety over thinking about losing or never having. Maybe you can't live without your status or title. Perhaps you think your life can't start without a significant other. Possibly money has a hold on you, or achievements, or the way people perceive you. Maybe it is something simple like a favorite dress, or shoes, some sort of big kid toy that you like to show off. Whatever it may be, know that Jesus has a different idea of what treasures are:

 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21

This passage could give you all sorts of feelings. Perhaps you are saddened by it, or angry with it, but I encourage you to take comfort in it. It is actually a passage that helps me realize that this world is not my goal, or my end all, nor can this world take away the one thing that is most valuable to me - my faith. That is a treasure stored in heaven that can't be stripped from me here on earth.

When we seek treasures of this earth, and strive to have every status, toy, dollar, experience, on our list, we will never be content. We will be aimlessly, hopelessly wandering around in this life, never fully happy. If we have those things we want, we can lose them in the blink of an eye. Nothing is for certain, except the things of heaven.

Jesus sums this up with  “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  It is easy to value the things around us - to take notice of what people have that we don't. Sometimes we can get so obsessed with getting the things we have that we forget the things that really matter. Don't get distracted by the things that won't make a difference in 100 years. Treasure things that won't go away and that will make differences for an eternity.

Scripture to Read:
Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 19:16-22

Questions to Ponder:
What do you spend most of your time doing? Most of your money on? How do these things show where your treasures lie?
Why did Jesus tell the young, rich ruler to sell his possessions?
How can you personally work on storing up your treasures in heaven?