Another funeral yet again this past week~it is amazing how attending a memorial service can stop me in my tracks and set my mind to reeling. Why is it that our perspective can change in the blink of an eye-when we realize what really matters...what really counts...what is important. It's not to have an expensive house, cars, clothing, furnishings-although those things are nice. It's not about making sure you have all the perfect Christmas gifts wrapped under the tree and that you have bought the latest and greatest. It's about realizing that we are spiritual beings having a temporary earthly experience. An experience that is a short one. Our days are numbered and we are not guaranteed another one, yet we live as though we've got tomorrow. Instead, our perspective should be on what really matters in life, the eternal-storing our treasures up in heaven.
So how do we do that? How do we store up treasures in heaven? It seems so hard to keep focused on the heavenly things when the world vies for our attention. We spend so much time and energy focusing on things that don't matter and we lose sight of the things that do. Matthew 6:19-21 says Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Storage means to put away for future use and treasures are things that we consider valuable and precious to us. Earthly treasure are easy-we think our retirement 401K, savings, big houses-those are things we are saving up so that we can have "the American Dream". But is there more? More to life than trying to store up riches and wealth for our contentment here on earth? Are we using those things to spread His word? To show the love of Jesus? To help those in need? The Bible tells us "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:8, 11, 13-15 NLT).
When we focus on serving and giving to others, God will in return continue to bless us. Our heart becomes full when we love Him and love His people-When we spend time with Him daily-When we see people the way He sees them. When our heart is full, our perspective changes. We focus on the things that matter-a single mom, jobless, who can't afford to buy groceries, a lady unable to pay for her meal at Waffle House, a family of 4 homeless who just want to have a Merry Christmas. Be intentional about using your gifts to advance the kingdom. Share His word with those who are in need. Bring people along with you on this journey! Then, the legacy that you leave behind will not only linger here on earth, but will be the ultimate reward when we enter into our eternal home with treasures abundant!
