June 9, 2018

What Are Your Priorities?

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” – Matthew 6:21

What is an idol? The dictionary says it’s who or what you love, reverence or admire above all else. We know that God doesn’t tolerate idolatry. He said to put no one above Him. But we do it all the time.

In this teaching, Jesus admonishes us not to store up treasures on earth. He told us to focus on heaven. That’s where the real treasure is. But, well, there’s just so many awesome things on this earth and we don’t want to miss out.

Sometimes our idol is an object. It can be a house, a car, a phone. It can be a job, a volunteer organization, a ministry. And it can be a child, a spouse, a friend. It is anything or anyone we put before God.

People are quick to tell me I don’t understand because I don’t have children. They’re right to some degree, just as they don’t understand what it’s like to not have something you once desperately wanted.

But I do understand this: God loves your children more than you could ever love them. God is love. And no matter how hard you try to protect and guide them, you are human and you will sometimes fail. Can you put God first and place what you love the most in God’s hand? Can you trust His love for them?

Sometimes we cherish treasures that will never fill us up. Have you ever had lunch with a friend or family member that repeatedly responded to texts or checks Facebook while you are trying to have a conversation. You don’t feel valued, do you? You may even do the same thing to others. It sure cuts down on the personal connection, doesn’t it? It really lets us know how valuable they find us or how valuable we find them.

Do you know someone who has sacrificed everything, including their family, for a job or a house or a volunteer organization? What matters most is what shows up in how you spend your time. In other words, don’t tell me you care. Show me with your time and attention. What is your priority?

It’s the same with how we see God. Do we view church as a chore or do we see it as a glorious opportunity to worship God Almighty with other believers? Do we spend undivided attention getting to know Him or do we put that off for another day? Do we place our relationship with God above all other relationships or do we try to fit Him in when it’s convenient?

Stop for a moment and consider your thoughts, your words, your actions. If someone looked your way, would they see Jesus in you? Would they know without your loudly proclaiming it that you value Him above all else? Priorities show in how we live our lives. Make sure that yours show others the light of Christ.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

People Are True Treasures

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." -- Matthew 6:19

My Mother has a set of dishes she got when she married my Dad in 1953. The dishes aren't fine china, something she's pointed out numerous times over the years. They were poor when they married and had to select something they could afford to buy themselves. She keeps them in a cupboard in the kitchen, out of sight. I don't remember her ever using them.

I suppose she's saving them for a better day. I wonder what day that is. A family holiday perhaps? A celebration? We use bright red plastic plates at Christmas. We never use anything fancy. We're saving it. Once upon a time my Mother gathered silver and crystal into her home. And, slowly, it has found other homes. She is not a fine china person.

I don't see the point in saving all the good stuff for a better day. I'm not opposed to having it. I just think we should use it instead of waiting for a better day. But isn't that how we live our lives? We're saving up for a better day. We'll start a diet tomorrow. We'll invite our neighbor to church next week. We'll read the Bible another day. We've always got a good reason to put things off -- especially things that matter.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

-- Matthew 6:21

What matters to you? Health? Financial security? Your family? What about all those things you're saving up to use on a special occasion? You won't be taking them with you when you leave this world so why not use them today? Invite those neighbors to church and lunch afterwards. Start a Bible study in your home. Let the dishes go while you play with your kids. Value what matters and let those earthly "treasures" go. Don't store fine things up to use another day. Use them to honor the people in your life today.