"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth.... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." Matthew 6:19-20
Perhaps you have seen the bumper sticker that says, "He who dies with the most toys wins." In our society today the accumulation of wealth and creature comforts seems to be the measure of a person's success and the goal for which many live.
Jesus warns us of the danger of spending our lives seeking earthly treasures that do not last. A farmer may spend his entire life building bigger and better barns and purchasing larger machinery. A professional person may acquire expensive cars and luxurious homes. But the truth is that all of these things will eventually be gone. There is wisdom in the old saying that you never see a U-Haul truck following a hearse. Physical possessions will not give a person lasting comfort or hope.
Jesus tells us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness; God will supply all that we need. Our real treasure is Jesus Himself, who redeemed us by His blood, which is more precious than silver or gold. The forgiveness of sins and life everlasting in heaven surpass the entirety of the world's wealth. Our lives are well spent with a strong and abiding faith in Jesus, serving Him and our neighbor to the glory of God.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help us focus on what is eternal that we may receive Your spiritual treasure. 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: Ezekiel 18-19 2 Timothy 3
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