Matthew 6:19 – 21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
As I read the above verse, I can’t help but think of the fish bowl in our living room. It is home to Goldie, my son’s Betta fish. It is also home to various treasures, placed there lovingly by my son. Two small plastic football players, one small plastic referee, and two small plastic goal posts (in case Goldie wants to play football). A small black pirate, and a plastic pirate ring (in case Goldie wants to search for treasure). A bridge for Goldie to hide under, a floating flower, and a few other things.
That is one crowded fish bowl.
Though Goldie’s bowl is filled with treasures, I’m not sure they really make his life better. Sure, they’re cute. But they crowd him.
I wonder . . . what sorts of treasures do I allow to crowd my life? I feel certain Jesus was talking about more than just our money. Certainly, we should use our money wisely, use it for things with lasting value and not just temporary pleasure. But a treasure is anything we value, anything we invest ourselves in. And all too often, the things I invest myself in don’t provide much lasting value.
One of my biggest treasures is my time. And I have been all too guilty of investing my time in the wrong things: the internet, television, worry . . . I allow these things to crowd my days, and I don’t have much left to invest in important things. But truly, I need to invest my time in things that will please God, things that will have lasting value, both for this life and the one to come.
When I invest my time in things that don’t really matter, it really is like a thief has broken in and stolen my days from me! But when I turn off the computer, and the television, when I choose not to worry, but only to trust God, it is like I’ve discovered great and lasting treasure. I have time for relationships. I have time to share His love with others, and to enjoy the blessings He has poured out on me.
Friends, I’ve not had a problem with giving my money to God. But my time? Well, that’s another story. That’s my struggle; yours may be different. What treasure are you throwing away, instead of allowing it to work for you for eternity?
Dear Father, Help me to invest all my treasures in a way that pleases You.
Amen
Nice writing. You are on my RSS reader now so I can read more from you down the road.
Allen Taylor
Thanks, Allen!
Renae, Thanks for reminding us that our time is our treasure and is not to be wasted on things that do not have lasting value. Great post! Blessings…Lynn
Thanks, Lynn! It’s something I must remind myself of often.
Time is one of the most important gifts that God has given us. Invest wisely while you have it. Don’t wait until the market crashes. Thanks for the reminder to all, Renae.
“Time is one of the most important gifts that God has given us. Invest wisely while you have it. Don’t wait until the market crashes.”
Uh, Mom, have you ever thought of becoming a writer? That was brilliant! 😉
(((hugs)))
I always think time is one of the easiest things for the enemy to steal. Most of the time (no pun intended) he doesn’t even have to try.
You’re right, Jackie. We just give it to him, don’t we?
Amen to all of the above comments! Excellent post as always, Renae.
Pam
Thanks, Pam!
Yes, I’m just like you, Renae… Thanks so much for this excellent post. I couldn’t have written it as well as you did! But at the same time I could have written it! Thanks for this great reminder.
Thanks, Jeanette. I think that is a problem for a lot of us. Where is that verse that says something like, there is no temptation except that which is common to man?
Renae, I’ve been feeling a little crowded lately, too. Thanks for the caution sign — good food for thought (as always!). 🙂
Thanks, Cheryl. We all need to do some “clearing out” every now and then, don’t we?