Glitz and Glimmer

Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. (Matthew 6:19-21)

It is always good to look at where we put or find our treasures, isn't it? Some are facing great loss due to fires, floods, and inclement weather of all sorts, and it is possible 'all' will be lost as a result of the terrible devastation they face. I put the word 'all' in quotes today because there are many who have put all their hope in the 'treasures' they have amassed right here on this earth and quite possibly have missed out on the greatest treasure of all. I shall not make light of the great loss so many have experienced in terms of homes, vehicles, family, and friends - their loss is tragic and beyond words. It gives all of us an opportunity to consider where it is we 'find our treasures' - in the things of this world or in the things that come as a result of nuzzling up close to Christ. If the 'greatest treasure' we have is what we have here on this physical earth, we are quite 'poor' and without any real 'riches'. The grace and peace and love of God carry more 'value' than all we could acquire on this earth. 

As we examine our 'treasure trove' of things and objects we have on this earth, we likely find most give us very limited satisfaction. A house provides a roof over our head, a place to unwind at the end of a busy day, and a shelter for a family. While it is never a good thing to lose the house, it can be rebuilt. Lose things like God's grace, his love, and his protection and you have lost far more than 'shelter' - you have lost gifts beyond measure. As we go about our daily lives, it is possible to put way too much trust in the things that will fade away. God tells us to be constantly on guard so as to not be swept away by the desire for more of what this world offers and to be ever vigilant to seek what only he can provide. The 'safe place' we created on this earth pales in comparison to the safety of living within his grace and love. We can rebuild a house, but grace isn't something we can ever 'build' ourselves. It is found only at the feet of Jesus. It is tempting to get carried away by the 'glitz' and 'glimmer' of what this world says is important. It is much wiser to press into and trust in the things God provides through his Son, Jesus. Just sayin!