April 22nd

April 22nd

Someone posed a question to me the other day, “If you had to permanently leave your home in an hour, and could only take what would fit in your vehicle, what would you take?”

I have thought about that before, and my answer would change somewhat depending on the situation. I like comfort as much as the next person, but lately I find myself trying to be sure that I hold loosely to the things of this earth. We have read the verse in Matthew about laying up treasures in heaven instead of earth.

Matthew 6:19-21 “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.

Recently I ran across a verse in Timothy that is similar but worded a little differently.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

I really like the end of that last line… “so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” If we have our hands wrapped tightly around the things of this earth in our life now, how will we grab hold of the life that is truly life? There is nothing wrong with enjoying comforts in our life now but we have to be careful that it is not at the expense of our future life! Keeping our hearts and priorities straight! How much time do we spend working so we can make more money so we can have more things? Does that interfere with our time with Jesus, or with our family? These are the questions we have to ask ourselves…OFTEN!

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

When we keep everything in perspective according to God’s overall plan, it is easier to loosen our grip on this life and its “things.”

What do you need to let go of today so that you can grab hold of life that is truly life?

Jesus thank you for reminding me of what matters most. Help me to prioritize my life according to your plan and priorities. Show me where I have let my desires interfere with your plan and help me to correct that. Thank you for never leaving me or forsaking me, and help me to live with that in mind. Help my life to reflect your heart to others rather than be about my stuff. Thank you for your perfect love and perfect plan.