Take An Accounting

Good Morning,

Matthew 6:19-21(NIV)
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.

As I read these verses this morning I was challenged to look about to see if there were "treasures" that I might be storing up here on earth and just what those "treasures" might be. I guess because for the past few years one wouldn't say that I've been well off financially that there really aren't very many "treasures" that have been stored up. But then, like most people, there are things...just things...that I have which I don't really need and also some things that I don't even use. What's sad, is that there are also some things that I don't have any idea why I even have them. But all in all, I don't have a lot of "treasure" that's been stored up. Now, honestly, I can say not because I've been obedient to the Scripture verses we read today but because of my financial situation. I wish I could honestly say that if I had more money I'd still not have much stuff..."treasure"...however, I don't know that for sure.

We have this section of Scripture come to us from time to time, I think, so that we will stop and take stock of just exactly where we are storing our "treasures" and to see just what our "treasure" really is. It's good for us to do that. I believe we need to do that on a regular basis, lest we get caught up in the things, "treasure", of this world rather than keeping our eyes and minds and efforts ought to be...on the things of heaven...on Jesus.

Here's the thing: If we find take a regular accounting of ourselves and where we focus; on what "treasure" is more prevalent in our lives, then we are much less likely to fall into that worldly "treasure" trap that is so enticing and such a huge temptation for most of us. The contrary is true, of course. If we DON'T take that regular accounting then we WILL find ourselves easily trapped into the desires for earthly, worldly "treasure"...which is no treasure at all.

Some of us have been more blessed financially than others. Some of those who have been hugely blessed have their focus correctly on the things of heaven and on Jesus Christ. We need to be thankful for them and that they have their eyes fixed on the Lord and on the work of God here on this earth. Some of those who have true financial freedom, however, aren't so well focused. For them, we need to pray.

Now, just in case some might think that I'm "picking" on the well to do, that's not the case. There are some of us who aren't very well off financially but are able to have their eyes and focus directly on the things of heaven and on Jesus Christ. It's a bit more difficult, perhaps, but still happens and happens often. Then, unfortunately, there are those who aren't well off financially and are even struggling to make ends meet and they do NOT have their eyes on Jesus and the things of heaven and of God. They, even in their want and need, have their focus on earthly "treasure" and the things of the world. For them, we also need to pray.

Let's be thankful today that we have this reminder from the Lord that we ought to take some time to look inside to see where our focus lies. Are we, as we should, storing up for ourselves treasures in heaven? Or, have we fallen into the enemy's trap of storing up treasures on earth? Be honest with yourself.

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace"

Love, peace, and blessings,

David