"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy ... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." Matthew 6:19-20
Nothing is more important on the journey of life than to define and understand its purpose. Many people believe that material possessions will provide happiness. They think that the "good life" can be achieved by owning fancy cars or a beautiful home.
Jesus encourages us to take a long-term perspective. He points out that possessions are temporary; they can rust away or be stolen. We can be rich today and poor tomorrow. Furthermore, the apostle Paul states that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). It is easy to become so preoccupied with acquiring things that we resort to sinful means to get them. Have we profited if we gain the world but lose our soul (Matthew 16:26)?
We must be vigilant to maintain the right priorities in our lives. Loving God and others should rank far above acquiring material possessions. When we seek the kingdom of God first and His righteousness, everything else we need will be supplied (Matthew 6:33). The Christian life will provide an inner happiness that is unmatched by anything we can get through what we purchase. Our journey through life with Jesus at our side will lead to our eternal happiness.
PRAYER: Jesus, You are my priceless treasure, my source of purest pleasure. Amen.
(Devotions from "The Abundant Life" copyright 1998, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time e-mailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)
Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 7-8 Acts 20:17-38
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