Articles
TREASURE FOR YOU OR FOR THE LORD?
As our children grow through the years, we provide for them whatever they (or we) think is
necessary for their success. It may be an upgrade on a ball glove, so they can catch the ball
better. It may be running shoes or soccer cleats, so they can keep up with everyone around them.
We also spend a lot of time and money making sure they are a part of the group which will see to
their success in whatever activity they are involved. Bottom line: we want our children to
succeed in life and will do whatever it takes to make sure they do!
For the past couple of weeks the verse speaking of treasures in heaven has found its way into
my sermons. Jesus shared that thought about halfway through His sermon on the Mount and it is
a verse we may need to visit more often as we make our way through life.
Jesus shared the words, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and
rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Mt. 6:19). Based on the Greek language, the
beginning phrase could be translated, “Do not treasure up for yourselves treasures.” When we
provided our children all those things which played to their success, we were basically
“treasuring up for ourselves.” Jesus completes the thought in verse 21, “...for where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
What’s really important in your life? Spend a little time considering what things you pursue
in life. Consider where you spend your money. And then consider the amount of time and money
you spend in the pursuit of Jesus and eternal life. How much time do you spend reading God’s
Word each day? And how much time do you spend daily in prayer? Do you have a daily
devotional book you read to help you meditate on the Lord and your relationship with Him? Do
you subscribe to a religious magazine each month that will help you consider your life with the
Lord? Parents, how much time do you spend with your children memorizing Bible passages and
singing Bible songs? Even when absent from worship and Bible classes at the building, there is
much we can do to continue to grow in faith in the Lord. There is much we can do as parents to
be sure our children are “storing up treasures in heaven!”
As important as proper equipment and time spent in pursuing a successful life here on earth
may be, surely concern for our spiritual well-being and pursuit of eternal life is far greater. So,
where are you storing up your treasure? ~P. Mowrer
