2 Corinthians 4:18 (New International Version)
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is
unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Trudi Hall of Baytown, TX, has told of an experience that
she and her husband shared on a recent trip:
There was a man that Keith and I met last year on a ship
we took from Barcelona, Spain to Galveston, Texas. The ship crew was handing
out little “Monopoly” dollars (fake bills from the board game) for every
activity one participated in on-board. The “dollars” could then be redeemed in
the gift shop for over-priced cheesy trinkets.
While we took every opportunity to go ashore and
experience the beauty, history, and culture of Europe, and look up long lost
friends along the way, this fellow was like a gerbil on a wheel, running from
shuffleboard to ping-pong, collecting his "dollars." He missed out on
Alecante, Malaga, the Canary Islands, and the Bahamas, but I'm sure he polished
his miniature golf skills along the way.
In the end, we have wonderful memories of our time
together, a strengthened relationship, and a bit more understanding of the
history of the world.
He has a backpack with the ship's logo on it.
While not all of our opportunities will be as thrilling
as our ocean journey, I believe that each one affords us the opportunity to use
it for our growth and blessing, or squander it.
The man with the Monopoly dollars is not the only one who
gets focused on “trinkets” and misses out on the REAL treasures of life...
The world has NOTHING to offer except trinkets, for the
things of this world are only temporary
The REAL treasures of life are spiritual and eternal.
These treasures are enjoyed in a right relationship with God through His Son,
Jesus Christ.
Even though we were lost in sin, God sent His Son to die
on the cross to pay the price for our sins. Through Him we discover the REAL
treasures of forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. These treasures belong only
to children of God. When we by faith in His Son, turn from our sins in
repentance ,confess Him before me, and are baptized into Christ for the
forgiveness of sins, we are “born” into the family of God and become heirs of
an eternal inheritance. As long as we remain faithful to our Heavenly Father,
He has promised to give us these REAL, SPIRITUAL TREASURES.
Don’t be duped by the cheesy trinkets that the world has
to offer. Discover the real, lasting treasures that are found in a saving
relationship with God.
Dear Lord we thank You for the things of this world, but
we pray that we would not let the trinkets get in the way of You. Help us keep
our eyes upon You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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