Treasures

What is your treasure? What do you really want and desire above all else? Once there was a young man who came running to Jesus. He asked, “What can I do to inherit eternal life?” He was rich, but yet knew there was something lacking in his life. Jesus looked at him and loved him. Jesus knew what he lacked. What he treasured most, his riches, was keeping him from possessing the true riches.

Jesus said, “Go and sell all you have and give it to the poor, and come follow me.” What a glorious invitation!

But he went away sad, because his riches defined him. The invitation to follow Jesus is still open to us and to all.

I’ve often wondered if down the road he repented his choice because he no doubt still carried the hunger for God.

The riches we have here won’t buy anything there. God has a different economy.

One of my treasures is an old cast aluminum pan given to me by Steve’s mother. That was over 60 years ago! It was the bottom of an old pressure cooker. Certainly not valuable in terms of money. It is precious to me because of who gave it. But also the many meals made for generations of family. I use it nearly every day. How many gallons of chicken and noodles, and bean soup, and other good stuff have come out of that pan!

As believers, we can lay up treasures in heaven. How? By loving God supremely. By serving others in love. Using earth’s treasures to bless the world. And by praying always for the list and our fellow believers.

Revelation 14:13: “Blessed are those who die in the Lord, and their works do follow them!”