Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Matt 6:19 (NIV)
TREASURES – PART 1
At Christmas, parties are in full swing, decorations are up, and stores are stocked high with gifts. My kids love receiving gifts… And in the lead up to Christmas they're are super excited about the presents they will receive. While it’s fun, and my kid's excitement is cute, it makes me think about what I teach them, intentionally or not, about getting gifts, and family.
The word “treasure” in Matt 6:19 in the Greek, is the word “Thesauros.” It means a “place in which precious things are collected…” It’s where we get the word ‘Thesaurus’ from which means a treasury of words. It’s the things that you seek after, collect and hold near and safe that are your treasures. The word “store up” means something similar: “to gather, lay up, and heap up…”
What you pursue to have in ready supply in your life is your treasure. Jesus urges in Matthew not to pursue above all else, things that are bound to the realms of earth. These things could include, money, reputation, fame, fortune, selfishness, gratification, comfort…
Moths are sneaky pests who eat away at your clothes and food unseen and unknown until the moment you need ‘said item' arises. Rust corrodes and ruins, recolours and compromises strength and purity. Thieves come without invitation. They break down walls and doors with no regard for safety or sanctuary, they take what isn't rightfully theirs.
About 20 years ago, my cousin was a partner in a business. He woke up one morning to find that his business partner had stolen all their money and clients, leaving my cousin in debt and with no business.
When we make the important things in our lives stuff, money, reputation, even comfort, and they disappear, we’re left bankrupt. Things that have no value beyond the material are valueless to us after they've been taken away.
Money is just a means of exchange, it’s an energy that we use to make transactions. It does not in any way apply value to a human heart. When we see and treat money as a marker of value in our lives and others, we’ve already been robbed of the richness of relationships and authenticity.
John D Rockefeller said, “the poorest man I know of is the man who has nothing but money.”
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