“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) Jesus reminded those listening, and believers today, that the things treasured in the heart are where individuals expend their energy, invest their resources, and ultimately reap their rewards. Christians ought to value and treasure things that will LAST FOREVER and the salvation of themselves and others. We must remember that THESE THINGS HAVE ETERNAL VALUE, rather than working only for creature comforts that will burn and rust away. One of the greatest treasures we have is often ignored and neglected, the devil has convinced us that it’s REALLY UNNECESSARY, what is it, the Word of God.
“The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. The fear of the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair. THEY ARE MORE DESIRABLE THAN GOLD, EVEN THE FINEST GOLD. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there IS GREAT REWARD.” (Psa. 19:7-11) So what is important to God? There are only two basic things: reading and taking in HIS WORD and living the life that He expects of us. That means we make time to read the Word and be ministered to, then live out what we’ve received in our daily life. And how do we do that? We walk in love, forgive, trust God for what we need, give to others when we can, be kind, be patient, stay away from sin and repent when we do sin. And God will refresh our spirit, give us real joy, cover us with peace, answer our prayers, keep us from trouble, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (Psa. 34:19) The Lord provides for us and ultimately leads us towards the fulfillment of His plan for our life. So, we should think about the things that occupy us at the expense of our time with God.
-Bill Stockham