An Ethiopian farmer hid more than $12,000 in a haystack—which unfortunately was home to some hungry rodents. Just three weeks after he stashed the cash, he discovered that rats had chewed through almost one-third of his savings!
When I read about this farmer’s misfortune, I couldn’t help thinking back to Jesus’ words: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth” (Matthew 6:19). Why not? Because moths (or rats) might nibble them down to nothing. Because our wealth could become burglar bait. Basically, because anything we store up on earth is temporary.
Maybe that’s why we’re supposed to “think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth” (Colossians 3:2). An eternal view helps to keep us from becoming consumed by whatever we can glom onto in this life.
So, how do we keep from letting our bank accounts get the best of us? Jesus urged us to store up treasures in heaven where decay and loss are non-events. But how?
We’re supposed to “be rich in good works and generous to those in need . . . . By doing this [we] will be storing up treasure as a good foundation for the future” (1 Timothy 6:18-19). It’s the tangible acts of kindness and love that provide true wealth.
If that’s not enough to satisfy our longing for everlasting affluence, we also need to invest in “a rich relationship with God” (Luke 12:21). The closer our connection with Him, the less we’ll care about the here-today-gone-tomorrow goodies of this world.
Jesus said, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:21). To keep our hearts in the right place, we’ve got to stockpile treasure in heaven rather than being consumed with whatever we’ve got stored in the haystack!
More:
• Proverbs 23:4
• Luke 12:15-21
• 1 Timothy 6:7-9
Next:
Are you focused on the riches in this world or in the next? What can you do this week to store up treasure in heaven?
Jo on November 13, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Jennifer I saw amen to your post and I can so identify with this. I recently lost a lot “things” but as I have become a believer it hasn’t bothered me one bit. My priorities have change drastically. I lived on the planet of “materialism” for the most part storing up things here.
It was such a relief to let things go.
jennifer benson schuldt on November 14, 2009 at 12:23 pm
I’m sorry that you had to go through a time of loss. Isn’t it great when God gives us His perspective on “stuff”? 🙂 A few months ago I had to clean out a room in our house that was filled with my books and papers. It was a hard process, but in the end it felt great. I know what you mean about the relief you experienced when you let things go. Blessings to you!
joyful23 on November 15, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks so much for that refreshing reminder, especially with the holidays around the corner. We may not think of Christmas shopping as classic “materialism” because we’re buying gifts for others. But I know I get caught up in it and miss opportunities to be rich toward God and toward others. This year, my husband and I have decided to be more intentional about how we use our time with our families during the holidays, choosing to talk about Christ and our faith more instead of spending all day simply playing with our new toys.
jennifer benson schuldt on November 17, 2009 at 11:45 am
Good point! The holidays–especially Christmas–are a time when it’s easy to focus on what we’re getting, instead of what we’re giving. Even the process of shopping and giving gifts has turned into a kind of marketing-driven, retail-crazed endeavor. Offering friends and family the gift of Christ is the most important thing we can pass along!
Drew on November 16, 2009 at 12:35 am
Hi Jennifer
Thanks so much for your unique perspective and presentation of this truth. This is a topic that should be addressed more these days especially in the culture we live in. I recently started to volunteer more at my church and the Lord has blessed me with amazing friends which are more precious than any tangible asset one can obtain.
jennifer benson schuldt on November 17, 2009 at 11:55 am
It’s great to hear that you’re volunteering at your church and experiencing the joy of Christian friendship. You are right–true friends are much more valuable than anything we can own. May God bless you and your friends! 🙂
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.