What do you treasure?
Recently I went to an estate sale in our neighborhood, something I had not done before. I saw the sign at the end of our street with the address, date, and time, so I went to have a look.
As I entered the house looking at the stuff, I felt a weird emotional feeling that took me by surprise. Even though I did not know the person, as I looked at the stuff I began to wonder about the person and what sort of life he must have lived. I found that by looking at his stuff I could tell a lot about him. There was one entire room filled with wooden holiday lawn decorations that he had apparently made himself. Several boxes were on a table in the garage….one of hammers, another of screwdrivers, another of wrenches. There were stacks and stacks of bath towels and linens, cabinets full of old Tupperware dishes, and a box full of old picture frames.
Seeing all this stuff made me wonder about the story that was held in each item. How many years has this couch sat in this spot? Who are these people in these picture frames? How many people gathered to eat around this table? Who made these pot holders? There was so much stuff filling up all of the rooms, drawers, and cabinets.
I also considered my own stuff. What stuff do I hold onto or store away in my attic or garage that someone will have to go through some day? What value does this stuff have? Will anyone else know or understand the reason I held on to particular items for years?
We are reminded in Matthew of the lack of value in holding onto the things of this earth. These things that fill our homes and storage spaces have no value in eternity; they may seem valuable to us for a time, but we cannot take any of that with us when we die.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin 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
Instead of focusing on the stuff we have now, we need to store up treasures in heaven where it really matters. One day we will all be gone and the stuff that held such value to us will be on display at a sale where someone else sees it simply as a bargain.
Today I’d like to leave you with a question to think about honestly: What do you treasure?
Have a day of blessings!
Such wise words written here my friend.
Great devo, Bethany. What we fill our home, our lives with definitely reveals who we are. I treasure your friendship, dear friend.
What a powerful message, Bethany. My house is filled with ‘stuff’; I need to get rid off. Maybe someone can use the stuff I have now.
Thank you for the reminder to store up our treasures in heaven.
Bethany, what a powerful Word! As I look around my house I see alot of things that have a story behind them, but when I am gone, I wonder what value any of it will have…I want to be able to pass on so much more than just dishes, and jewelry, may the most valued treasures I seek be of the Lord. ((Blessings))