by Jim Supp, Campus Pastor @ MBC Loudoun

Matthew 6:19-21 tell us”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 neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”What a wonderful reminder that the stuff of this world passes away and only our investments for the sake of the Kingdom of Christ will last. It’s not a tough concept to intellectually understand, really, and I feel confident most followers of Christ get it – at least conceptually. The true test however, is when something happens to your earthly stuff. That’s where the proverbial rubber meets the road, and a person comes to see how well this truth has gone from the head to the heart

Ah yes, so I guess you realize where this is going, and that I have had a few recent lessons about earthly treasure. So I really love my Kia Optima. Sure, it’s not high end, but it’s a bit sporty, has some get up and go, and I enjoy driving it. Then there was this accident, see. It’s not polite to ask whose fault it was – but let’s just say I think my premiums are going up. (No one was hurt, praise the Lord, so it’s just stuff, right.) Still – very frustrating.

Then the other day I am working out in the gym, as I do several days a week. I hung my good leather coat on the hangers by the locker room, as I do several times a week. When I went to leave this time, however, my good leather coat was nowhere to be found. I really liked that jacket and it was a gift from my wife. As I walked into the locker room, a bit stunned, there on the counter top was the key to the rental car I have been driving, which had been in the pocket. Hey, at least the thief was considerate enough to not leave me stranded – and after all, the rental car key replacement fee is 100 bucks.

And so here I am, learning once again that earthly treasure is fleeting, that money slips through our fingers, and only what is done for Christ will last. Certainly it is not a lesson we prefer to learn this way. But I am grateful. Grateful that I will get my car back soon, that no one was hurt, and that I have several other coats I can wear. God is good at helping keep our priorities in line. (I just wish it didn’t mean ruining some really cool treasure sometimes J.)

May you keep the proper perspective during the season that is supposed to be focused on Jesus, but is all too often focused on our stuff.

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 neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.