Today’s Reading: Matthew 6:19-21 (HCSB)
Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Today’s Question: Are you investing more into the kingdom of this world or the Kingdom of Heaven?
Today’s Commentary:
I could not comprehend why my Dad would get so mad at me twenty-five years ago. What was the big deal with his tools? Now that I have three adventurous builders of my own, I understand. My three elementary-aged sons are banned from my workshop. I am simply tired of finding my power tools and expensive utensils in the woods or running over them with the mower in the yard.
Some of you would argue that a complete ban on entry to my workshop is an over-reaction. You are probably right. I am putting too much stock into items that Jesus said should not be treasured. If it will rust or has the potential to be ruined or stolen, then it should be of little value to me.
I read a Facebook post a few weeks ago of a friend who had the right perspective of his “stuff.” His teenage son was in a wreck in which the family car was totaled. The friend simply gave praise to God for sparing his family from the serious injuries that could have occurred. Who cares about the car? It is just a tool; and it can be replaced.
Jesus gives His disciples a strong warning: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” There is no room in the Christian life for materialism. When we fail to worship the Lord and replace Him with the worship of something He created and provided for us, this act is called idolatry.
Each follower of Christ must examine his or her life and thoughts continually. Is something consuming me? Is there an obsession that is more important than meditating on God’s Word? Is there something that is taking my time and money away from Kingdom work?
Jesus challenges us to store up treasures in Heaven. We have the option every day to invest time and resources provided to us by God. We can invest in Heaven by sharing the Gospel, showing people the love of Christ through kind words and deeds, and serving others using the gifts the Holy Spirit has provided.
It is not wrong to possess some of the things of this world. But we must realize that all we have is on loan to us by God. Everything we have belongs to God and can be used for His glory. Everything that is used for the Lord is a wise investment in eternity.
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #38: Disciples of Jesus want to invest deeply in their relationship with Christ and into causes that make a difference for eternity.
Today’s Prayer Point: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you evaluate the use of your time and resources.
Shepherding Well 