Storing Treasure

“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

There was a time in life where Bev and I bid on abandoned storage units.  We did it with our good friends, Jim and Sharon Ruby, who loved everything about collecting and selling.  Along the way, we saw a lot of stored treasure. Family photographs, a variety of collections, furniture, wedding certificates, military medals, trophies, electronics, bikes, trikes, baby gear, and the list goes on.

It was stored treasure of someone’s life. Stuff they had put their heart and soul into.  It reflected dreams, hopes, relationships, and a future. Somewhere along the line it was all left behind to strangers who were paying pennies on the dollar to clean out an abandoned storage unit so the owner could make room for the next batch of treasure.
Treasure has never looked the same since that time for Bev and I.  The profound question became very clear: What do we want our heart to be focused on and devoted to?

Choosing what our heart is focused on, will determine the treasure we seek and where it is stored. This is as true as the law of gravity. The choice is one that shapes values and focus.   Jesus challenges us to store our treasure in the Kingdom of God, where it can never be stolen, it never deteriorates, and stays in mint condition.
Focusing our time, attention, and resources on the ways of God provides an unbelievable return that gives from one generation to the next.  It is not subject to economic recession and correction. It lasts forever.

What is your heart focused on and devoted to?  Ask God to help you give an honest answer.  Please don’t end up with abandoned storage units of treasure with a misguided heart.  Please focus your treasure on God’s Kingdom, and you will experience life filled with impact and value that lasts forever.

Ed McDowell
CEO, Warm Beach Camp Ministries