Every day, according to one survey, Americans buy an average of 3,972,603 movie tickets; 1,683,835 songs and albums from online resources; 1,650,000 DVD rentals from Netflix; 978,030 bags of Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet popcorn; 568,764 Titleist golf balls; 443,650 large fries at Burger King; 160,968 bottles of Absolut Vodka; 7,500 Samsung LCD TVs; and 60 Ford Mustangs on eBay. It’s clear from this incomplete list that many consumers are spending money on things that have temporary stamped on them. Jesus, however, says that we should use our resources to acquire things that have eternity written all over them.
In Matthew 6, He identifies two types of treasures. The first are the ones accumulated on earth. These treasures are vulnerable to all kinds of decay and theft. They are the goods that we should not be going for. The alternative is treasures in heaven. Now Jesus was not saying we can buy our way into heaven. He was simply calling us to simplify our lives and leverage our time and resources for the sake of people in need (Matthew 19:21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). When we, with pure motives (Matthew 6:1-4), give up our lives and resources for the marginalized, we’re “storing up” treasures in heaven.
How can we determine where our treasure is and where our hearts are? I believe the following questions can help us: What occupies my thoughts and daydreams? What do I fret about the most? Apart from my immediate family, who or what do I most dread losing? What criteria do I use to evaluate others? What would make me most unhappy to be without?
Let’s prayerfully consider the resources we’re using and pursuing, making sure that our stuff is being used to bless others and glorify God.
More:
If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? (1 John 3:17).
Next:
How can you make an investment in eternity today? What is a good way to evaluate your use of money?
myron on December 31, 2009 at 6:29 am
ho how can i get more money
my girlfriend my job
i am good witf people
thanks to God i do have a job
just so i can pay bills buy all the things
that i like
marvin williams on January 1, 2010 at 10:29 am
Remain faithful to our heavenly Father. He is a greater provider.
fieldlily on December 31, 2009 at 8:53 am
When I began thinking about my “treasures” I realized how self-centered and shallow my thoughts and dreams are. I do want to help those in need but my first thoughts don’t always turn in that direction.
I feel convicted and I am thankful for the opportunity reconsider what and where I am storing my treasures.
marvin williams on January 1, 2010 at 10:32 am
My wife and I went through the questions I provided in this devotional. This was a great exercise for us. We had to reconsider some things as well. I think it is an every day process of giving over our desires to the Holy Spirit. Blessings on you as you continue to find the real Treasure – Jesus.
Gary4orphans on December 31, 2009 at 9:31 am
Thank you brother Marvin. I would like to encourage people to ask God for one or more charities that He would have them support. There are so many good ones that need and deserve our support. Pray about where God would have YOU invest in His Kingdom work. There are both domestic and foreign needs that believers can help meet. You can’t personally support them all. You probably can’t send a billion dollars to one. But you can send what God puts on your heart to send (your portion). Even a little, consistently given, translates into very much as God multiplies the giving of His faithful children. Make a commitment right now to be part of the solution by sharing a portion of what God has blessed you with. One less expensive coffee per week; one less “toy” for yourself can do so MUCH good. This coming year SHARE with those who have nothing. There are homeless in America and orphans abroad (James 1:27) You CAN do it, and you know you SHOULD. Pray about WHERE God will have you share, you don’t need to pray “IF” it is His will. The Bible makes that plain enough. Dismiss all excuses and FIND a charity to channel God’s blessing through.
marvin williams on January 1, 2010 at 10:34 am
Thank you for sharing your heart here. We must continue to search for new places to serve and even share our resources. Again, thanks for being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
shayskin on December 31, 2009 at 9:40 am
When i think about the “treasures” I started prazing
God for all he has brought me through this year I fell at work in July 24th and my life was turn upside down because from my coworkers lieing on me I did not get my workman comp. nor did i have income to paid my bills i just want to stop and thank God for all he has done for me because my bills are paid in full and i dont have a job still today. When you paid your tithes and give money to church and different organization for the needy God dont forget you I am one of the people who believe in God words one percent. My treasures are store in God house up above
Have a blessed New Year
Thanks be to God
marvin williams on January 1, 2010 at 10:36 am
Praise God for his great provision in your life. He is a great provider and your story encourages me to remember that he knows and meets our needs.
KayElAr on December 31, 2009 at 10:49 am
Honestly, I am a low-maintenance person. I do enjoy being able to have material items but they do not mean so much to me. This Christmas season made me realize how much I like to spend time buying for others. I realize that its the thought that counts and Christmas is not about giving gifts. I just enjoyed thinking of others and ways to bring happiness to them and show them how much I care. I did not spend a lot of money, most times I found something I knew they would like and spent time personalizing it. While I have never been deprived of possessing material items, I could give away all my possessions and be happy having my family and friends. When it’s all over, it won’t matter what we had. What will matter is what we did with it and the many gifts and talents God has given us. It will matter that we used and did everything we could to share God’s love with everyone and pleased Him.
I try to help people in need, whether it is volunteering for charity or helping people though an emotional crisis. I want to spread God’s word all over the world. One person has enough power to change the world because God gives them that power. Every little step counts.
I believe that I use the things that God has given me (both material items and gifts) to glorify Him. I pray to Him that he guides me in doing so. I ask Him to let us all live up to our fullest potential and show others His humble ways and love.
marvin williams on January 1, 2010 at 10:38 am
You are a blessing to the body. Your example encourages all of us to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit regarding our resources. Thank you for sharing this part of your journey.
jjw2855 on December 31, 2009 at 7:31 pm
AMEN! “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be…”, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-34
WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY & BLESSED NEW YEAR 2010!
? jjw2855
marvin williams on January 1, 2010 at 10:39 am
Amen and amen!
mdbmommy on December 31, 2009 at 10:07 pm
My treasure was my job and my home. Last year 08 I lost my job. This year 09 I lost my home. I believe God is showing me that I relied on myself to have what I wanted. I put all my hopes and dreams in my job to have it supply me with the money for what I wanted. Now at 41 I am starting over and need God to lead me as to what he wants me to do.
Lord God “I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity”. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD “—and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5 My sin was pride, greed, and adultery. Praise God he has forgiven me the hardest part is me forgiving me. Yet I want my treasure in heaven.
marvin williams on January 1, 2010 at 10:42 am
Wow! Thank you for opening your heart to this community. God is so gracious, isn’t he? His grace is sufficient for you during this transition time in your life. I will be paying for you as you continue to seek God through this time. God is greater than what has happened to you. May God bless you!