Friday Faith Check-Up: Earthly Pleasure, or Heavenly Treasure?

"Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure; Where your treasure is, there is your heart; Where your heart is, there is your happiness."  - Augustine

In times long past, people were buried with objects they had used in life. This was done in the hope that they could use them in the afterlife. The royal tomb of young King Tutankhamen, ruler of Egypt from about 1358 to 1436 B.C., was laden with beautiful ornaments and different types of furniture, including the royal throne.

Many of us today put far too much emphasis on how much material wealth we possess. But, as we well know, we can't take any of the material things we have accumulated during life once we pass on. The Bible reinforces this point in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21).

I understand that material goods are important for us to maintain life. There's no arguing that we require items such as food, clothing, and shelter. We also need government, education, health care, and transportation, among other things. And, for most of these "material goods" there is usually a pecuniary (monetary) value attached.

Jesus was well aware of all of this. He taught his to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." knowing that material things were a necessity of life (Matthew 6:11). We're not being granted permission to ask for material effects such as financial wealth and great riches, in the sense that some think today.

Instead, we are petitioning God to provide what us with what is necessary to sustain our daily existence. By this request in the Lord's Prayer, we are taught to approach God with a humble and dependent spirit. That is, we are encouraged to let Him know what we need and trust that He will provide (1 Timothy 6:10; Matthew 6:31-33).

Rather than running about trying to amass earthly treasure (material wealth) which will be of no use upon our demise, we should use some of our energy to store up a heavenly treasure. I'm not saying that being good stewards and enjoying the benefits of what God graciously gives us isn't important. Of course we should (Malachi 3:10).

What I am saying is that we should be mindful that this world is not the end. Another life awaits us. One in which we can send "heavenly treasure" on ahead of us (Matthew 6: 19-21). There are many ways we can to do this. For example, one way is by doing good to others in Jesus' name (Matthew 22:38).

Some others might be: comforting those who are sick or suffering, respecting the rights of others, and making a good effort to meet the needs of others (James 4:11). If you haven't noticed, not one of these has a thing to do with selfishness, or being self-serving. Clearly, there's a big difference between earthly and heavenly treasure (Luke 6:38).

Earthly treasure is vulnerable to deterioration, decay, and even theft. Additionally, when we die we leave it all behind. However, treasure in heaven doesn't follow the same rules. Upon death, we inherit it, and enjoy it for eternity. God wants us to be wealthy and happy in heaven. We can fulfill His desire by starting to lay up treasure in heaven here in this life today (John 14:2-3).

Scripture: Revelation 22:12; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Psalm 1:3; Isaiah 58:10; Luke 6:31

Prayer: Holy Father in Heaven, thank You for all that You have provided. I can trust in You always to give me just what I need, when I need it; and should You see fit to furnish more, then I will consider myself truly blessed! Amen

Have a blessed and safe weekend!

Kaye