Another Year of Choices
By Barbara Dahlgren
The story goes that when John D. Rockefeller died, someone asked his accountant how much did he leave? The accountant said, “He left all of it!” It’s true. As they say, “You never see a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer.” No matter how much wealth we accumulate, we can’t take it with us when we go.
Perhaps that’s why the Bible cautions us on the pitfalls of materialism which can enslave the heart, mind, and will. It’s not wrong to possess things, but it is wrong to let things possess us. Matthew 6:19 warns that having hearts wrapped up in treasures of the earth can be worrisome. Things can break, wear out, decay, get lost, or be stolen. A leaky water pipe might destroy your beanie baby collection, an earthquake could demolish your Precious Memories figurines, a fire can consume your Picasso, or a thief steal your money.
Therefore, Jesus says in verse 20 that it is better to “lay up for yourself treasures in heaven…” where they cannot rust, be stolen, break or wear out. But just what are these treasures and how do we get them to heaven without a U-Haul?
When most people hear the word “treasure,” they think of money, jewels, precious metals, or riches – things we hoard for our future. However, another definition is “something you value.” Exactly what do we value most in this life? Think carefully before answering, because this treasure in heaven cannot be gained by accumulating and hoarding what we think is valuable, but giving it to others.
While it’s true these scriptures encourage us to give generously to support God’s work, that’s only one aspect of what it encompasses. We cannot buy our way into eternity. Supporting our local church or heartfelt ministries financially falls into the “these things you ought to have done” category mentioned in Matthew 23:23. But have we considered other ways to lay up treasure in heaven? For treasure in heaven consists of all those parts of ourselves which we give to God or extend to others in service and in love.
Things like….
- Taking time to build a relationship with God
- Visiting the sick and lonely
- Sharing a meal
- Helping the fatherless and widowed
- Saying a kind or encouraging word
- Praising the Creator
- Speaking with a child at eye level
- Smiling
- Listening
- Trusting God
- Volunteering to help
- Giving the benefit of the doubt
- Sharing the credit
- Forgiving someone
- Saying, “Thank you!”
- Sending a card, writing a letter, e-mailing a note
- Having compassion for the poor and homeless
- Spending time with our families
- Honoring our parents
- Giving God the glory
- And much more
Where your heart is, there your treasure will be. (Matthew 6:21) Are our hearts with God and with people? If so, we know what it means to lay up treasure in heaven.
It’s true – when we die, we can’t take what we’ve accumulated on earth with us. However, I’ve heard it said that if we truly understand what treasure in heaven is – we can send it on ahead.
Suggestions for practicing this choice…
- Repeat this often: A person’s life does not consist of the things he possesses. (Luke 12:15)
- Repeat this often: People are more important than things. (Matthew 22:39)
- Repeat this often: It is more blessed to give than receive. (Acts 20:35)
- Repeat this often: Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
- Now, repeat it all again, but this time ask God to help you believe it!
