by Jim Supp, Campus Pastor @ MBC Loudoun

There are certain lessons that we learn – and then we learn again – and again. I’m not crazy about this reality, but it’s true. God teaches us a life lesson and we say “Got it, Lord.” We realize later that the Lord thinks we need to revisit that lesson, much to our dismay. Like maintaining a right perspective on our material possessions, for example. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:19-21 that we shouldn’t store up for ourselves treasure on earth where rust and moth destroy and thieves break in and steal. “Got it Lord, I will focus on heavenly treasure.” That is, until something actually happens to my earthly treasure. Only then do I realize how much I really like my earthly treasure.

So I am driving my son to his baseball game the other day – stopped at a red light – and WHAM – I get rear-ended. OK, so it was relatively minor and largely cosmetic. (We are still going in to see if there is any of that unseen damage.) “I get it Lord, don’t worry about treasure on earth. Thanks for the reminder.” Apparently the Lord didn’t think that the truth of his word was cemented deeply enough. The very next day this same vehicle was parked on the street when someone backed out of a driveway and right into the front corner. Hmmpf. I wonder how much damage has to occur to this particular piece of earthly treasure before the Lord decides I have learned this lesson. Today I get to go to the body shop for estimates on two different reminders about a right perspective on ‘stuff.’

Thank you Lord for loving me enough to keep my eyes focused on you. I will continue to hold loosely the things of this world and story up for myself as much treasure in heaven as I can.