Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Matthew 6:19–21 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.19-21.NLT

I have a 1962 Studebaker Champ Pickup that was given to me as a gift a few years back. I love it. It needs TLC. I have started working through the restoration process. Last year I was saving up to replace the floor and have the cab mounts redone so the doors would open and close properly. This year, the goal is to make sure it can run up and down the road safely.

As I have gotten further into the process, it became obvious that dry, heated storage was going to be needed. More money required. Full restoration will require even more money. In my context, the time and money required is not in balance with the overall stewardship of my life.

As Bev and I talked through what really mattered in our lives, and how our time and money should travel in that direction, I realized that this great truck is not a treasure meant for me to store up here on earth. I have put it up for sale.

When I get right down to it, what really matters to me are people and their relationship with God. I want to spend my time, money, and energy in activities and causes that draw people to God. While there is probably a way that I could use this old truck in that process, it is a very expensive way for me requiring lots of time and attention.

Jesus is teaching in these verses about taking our resources and using them in efforts that have real value in the Kingdom of God. Storing treasure in heaven is focusing on things that last forever. I want everything I have to be helpful in drawing people to God. I don’t want my heart stuck in managing my material possessions. I do want to be a good steward of what God has entrusted me with. I want my heart focused on the things of His kingdom that will last forever.

I still love the old truck and hope to find a good home for her. What I increasingly invest in will be forever completely restored in God’s Kingdom.

Encouragement: Take time with God and ask him to help you see where your treasure is. Ask him to show you the treasure he wants you to focus on. Make a simple plan to spend more time, money and energy storing up treasure in God’s Kingdom.

Prayer: Dear Father, You teach us a way of living that is different. You want us to use time, talent, and treasure to make a difference in people’s lives forever. You want our focus not to be on our own accumulation, but rather on the generosity poured into others. You teach us to live humbly, quietly making profound differences in other people’s lives in the name of Jesus. May we come to know Your treasure and may our hearts increasingly turn Your direction. 

In Jesus name, Amen

-Ed McDowell, Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center