“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO.” (Matt. 6:19-21) We live in a world in which success is measured by the size of one’s wealth or possessions, by one’s accomplishments or fame, and in terms of one’s IQ, grades or GPA, educational degrees, talent, position or power. – Regrettably, Christians are also often tempted to view success in terms of these TEMPORAL REALITIES. Sometimes we forget that whereas fame, education, wealth, beauty, athletic prowess, talent, and power can easily be lost, there are SOME THINGS THAT ARE OF LASTING VALUE—such things as compassion, love, generosity, kindness, sympathy, humility, etc.
Listen to what Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.” (Job 1:21) Timothy gave us this advice, “…we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain WE CAN CARRY NOTHING OUT.” (1 Tim. 6:7)
SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED TO YOU…(Matt. 6:33)
-Bill Stockham