earthly treasures

Got this devotion sent to me from my mom, as she gets these online and ocassionally sends them to me. I thought it was a good one to think about. As I have been struggling all summer (and every summer), to try to understand why we are in the situation we are in, both financially and emotionally. We put ourselves here by being somewhat greedy, and wanting more than what we really need. We have become distant, crabby, depressed, stressed, self absorbed, and tired as a family. Doesn't sound too healthy.
Thinking that a united focus on priorities as a family and not as individuals might help.
I do hope that I can be guided by the Holy Spirit to focus more on God and what HE can do for us, instead of we can do for ourselves. It's hard because our family is not united on the same priorities.
Anyway read the devotion.... ponder and pray.



"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." Matthew 6:19-21

The earthly possessions that we have are gifts from God intended for our well-being. But the nature of our sinful world is that material possessions are temporary. Eventually they are gone, deteriorating into uselessness or forced away from us by dishonest people. Therefore, Jesus teaches us not to engross our minds and divert our hearts with an insatiable appetite for more earthly treasure. His words catch a refrain from passages in the Old Testament:

"Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle" (Proverbs 23:4-5).

"The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep" (Ecclesiastes 5:12).

God graciously provides us with things of value in this world that are kept in the treasure-houses of our hearts. Some of these are our health, our jobs and our families. When we consider all the blessings God has given us, we cannot help but want to take care of them and be good stewards with them. But our more valuable God-given treasure is that which enriches our spiritual lives. The greatest treasure that we have is God's forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. That's the lasting treasure we set our hearts on most dearly.

Prayer:
Jesus, you are my priceless treasure. Help me appreciate the earthly blessings that you provide, but prevent me from being distracted by temporary earthly treasures from the eternal riches that you freely give me. Amen.