The Value of Treasure
Today is my mother's birthday. She passed away two years ago. This morning I went by the spot her house once stood and got out and walked around for a minute. Mother loved her little red house and counted it a blessing that God had provided it for her to live in for thirty years. Even though it was rented, as far as everyone was concerned, even her landlord, the place was mother's. In it, she kept all the treasures she had on this earth. After she died two more families moved in and out. I suppose it didn't seem like home to them, because they didn't stay long. It sure didn't seem like their home to us. We felt as if strangers had taken mother's house. About a year ago a tree fell on the house. The owners just couldn't afford all the repairs and finally had it demolished a few months ago. It is strange to see an empty lot where my mother lived for so long. Today as I walked around, I picked up a piece of red-painted wood that had once been part of the porch where we spent so much time. On that porch was where I fed her oodles of cats every day. It was funny this morning when I was there, a pretty little black and white cat walked up as if to say hello. It was almost as if the cat was watching over the place that my mother had treasured. I thought perhaps the cat was related in some way to all the cats my mother had "collected" and treasured through the years. I talked to the cat a minute and got in my car and drove away.
As I drove I thought of my mother and all of the what-ifs that aren't and will never be. The house gone forever reminded me once again of how very temporary everything here really is. No matter if we have a little red rented house, or a huge brick mansion that is 100% ours all these treasures fade away. God's Word reminds us of how temporary life here is and how foolish it is to treasure things. Things that we guard and hang on to for dear life may remain for a while after our lives here end, but sooner or later all the things will also fade away as do these earthly bodies God gave us to dwell in for a little while. Whatever we accumulate and consider as treasure is really nothing. All things here are corruptible. Our lives are not measured by earthly wealth, but by Heavenly treasure that we acquire by having a rich relationship with God.
Luke 12: 5 Then he said, "Beware! Don't be greedy for what you don't have. Real-life is not measured by how much we own." 16 And he gave an illustration: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 In fact, his barns were full to overflowing. 18 So he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store everything. 19 And I'll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!' 20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?' 21 "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God
Today take a moment and consider what you have and what will be left behind someday. Make sure you have treasure awaiting you in Heaven. There will be many mansions there, which are far greater than any on this earth. Also, let your family and friends understand the importance of coming to know Jesus Christ who awaits those who accept Him as Savior and Lord of their life. He is an incorruptible treasure for all eternity to those who believe.
jbp