Devotions/Partners

Matthew 6:19-20 (NIV): “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.”

COMMENTARY: As children, we are often raised to compete, excel and show off our victory trophies. For example, a student athlete labors tirelessly to earn a trophy. A student musician practices for countless hours to earn a medal. Those trophies are tangible symbols of their achievement, self-worth or power to successfully compete.

Let’s fast-forward through time. These same students who competed in sports, the arts, or some other arena graduate from school and enter the workplace. They are still conditioned to earn trophies, but the trophies have changed to things like bigger homes, fancier cars, elegant jewelry and wardrobes, investments, vacation homes, exotic travel and memberships in exclusive clubs. All of this “stuff” is a  symbol of their success. In reality, however, they have laid up for themselves treasures on the earth; the very activity that Jesus warns us NOT to do.

APPLICATION: Are you collecting worldly trophies that have little or no eternal value? A wise Christian will lay up treasures in heaven where there is a 100% guarantee backed by God that they will not be eaten away, rust or be stolen. Perhaps it is time for you to cash in some of those trophies and give the proceeds to Kingdom-building as led by the Holy Spirit. Think of the ministry funding that would come in on a regular basis, if every believer faithfully tithed and exchanged his or her worldly trophies for heavenly treasures. The Body of Christ does not have a funding problem, it has a heart problem. If you are guilty of covetousness, ask Him to set you FREE and He will! 

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Proverbs 6:6-8 (KJV)，read The Wise Worker is Diligent (Proverbs) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.