Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But
store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not
destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also.
A man had the good fortune and insight to take a chance
with a credit card company in the Baltimore area several decades ago. He
retired as a wealthy, high-ranking executive. In the course of his career, he
put together a streak so impressive (35 years in which he never missed a day of
work) that Cal Ripken wrote him a letter commending him for it. When he
retired, the company gave him a classic car as well as many other lavish gifts.
He had many benefits and perks, the admiration of peers and competitors, resort
town houses, and considerable wealth. Yet, one day very soon after he retired,
a doctor visit changed his life dramatically. He was found to have an
aggressive form of cancer. Two or three months later, he was dead....
This is not a commentary on the morality or priorities of
this man. His story just points out that his well-laid plans and successful
career building could not forestall or avoid the inevitable end result common
to every man.
It also should provoke a question. For what are we
living? Is our identity tied up in our career? Do we want to be known as the
life of the party? Is it all about travel and adventure? Does life revolve
around going to the river, the campground, the fishing hole, the beach, or the
mountains? Is it sports, shopping, spending, or spirituality? Of necessity, all
of us have a central focus. It is the thing that forms the bull's eye at which
we repeatedly find ourselves aiming.
The Scriptures reveal that Jesus should have the
preeminence in our lives (see Colossians 1:18). Jesus is to be FIRST PLACE in
our list of priorities. When it comes to our jobs, Jesus must take FIRST PLACE.
When it comes to our recreation, same thing. When it comes to relationships, He
deserves primary position. Whatever we say or do, Jesus must be at the
forefront.
Only God knows the heart, but is it ever the case that we
often choose money, sports, pleasure, recreation, hobbies, career, children,
parents, spouse, or some other thing over Christ? The teaching of Jesus
indicates that we often struggle in these areas. He warns that we may invest in
the wrong kind of treasure rather than the true riches (Matthew 6:19-21). He
implies that money can trump the Messiah as master of man (Matthew 6:24). He
admonishes disciples to seek the kingdom first over "things" (Matthew
6:33). He warns against choosing family members over Himself (Matthew 10:37).
When life draws to a close, one will be confronted by the
reality of what he or she made first place. Certainly, when one crosses the sea
from time to eternity, there will be no denying, rationalizing, debating, or
arguing about what one has chosen as his/her "bull's eye." But, in
our heart of hearts, don't we really know what's most important to us... right
now? It's what occupies the greatest amount of our interest, time, energy,
emotion, and effort. It is what we live for.
When we die, will what we live for help us live eternally
or will it cause us to experience eternal death (cf. Revelation 21:8)? Let's
heed Paul's urging to "set your affection on things above and not on
things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2) by trusting God (Hebrews 11:6),
repenting of our sin (Acts 17:30-31), confessing Christ (Romans 10:9-10),
submitting to baptism (immersion) in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of
sins (Acts 2:38), and living for Him for the rest of our lives (Revelation
2:10).
For what or for whom are YOU living?
Dear Lord, we pray that our focus in life would be on You
and the things that You would have for us to do. Thank You that You love us and
care for us help us show that by the way we live. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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