The doorbell rings and it is the postal service. You are handed a certified letter. As you open this very official letter, you are stunned beyond measure. Inside you read that a distant uncle that you did not even know you had, has died. You are the sole surviving heir and you have just received an inheritance of one million dollars!
I know that this is just make believe, but please play along with me for just a few minutes. Before you finish this Daily-E-Votional, stop and make a list of what you will do with this sudden influx of money. Take as long as you wish. You may even want to prioritize the items on your list.
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Are you back? Look over the list you have made from top to bottom. Are you ready? This is where your heart is! You will notice that I have used a different format today. I wanted us to consider what we would do with our new treasure trove before I shared the Scripture.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Recently I have seen commercials on television for a lending company. Evidently there are many people who have received structured settlements that will pay out over time. This company wants to give you the money now instead of the established schedule. The actors in the commercial are seen yelling out of their windows: “It’s my money, and I need it now!” I can only imagine how much interest such companies would charge.
It may be easy to observe the wrong priorities in other people, but what happens when we look into the mirror of God’s Word? I am so glad that I do not have to look into the eyes of many of you who used that make-believe money for the things of this world. I am sure that I would see looks of embarrassment.
Today’s Scripture is a portion of the Sermon on the Mount. In fact, the previous chapter includes the Beatitudes. The Sermon on the Mount marked the unique teachings of Jesus. Other Rabbis of His day quoted from Old Testament passages, but Jesus presented new truth.
This passage gives us a clear picture of what constitutes true riches. It is not money, gold or precious stones. These have no eternal value. What really counts are the treasures which are laid up in heaven.
We know that there is nothing we can do to merit salvation—it is a gift from God. But once we have been born again, we must begin to lay up eternal treasures. There is an old saying that I will close with: “Only one life t’will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil