RUST AND RAGS

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Matthew 6:19

Leah and I have been married for 21 years. Among the wedding gifts we received from kind friends and family were beautiful bathroom towels and a nice set of muffin tins. Lately, we have noticed our towels coming apart at the seams and developing thin spots where lush, water-absorbing material once existed. Our muffin tins also show the age of our marriage; the nonstick coating has worn off, and they have begun to rust.

Leah asked if we could afford to replace them since the muffins now stick to the tins, making it very difficult to extract them. Similarly, we see the necessity of replacing the towels before we are left with one-inch square pieces of faded cloth that couldn’t dry a wet gnat.

All material things on this earth will break down and fade away. Your home requires constant maintenance, or it will be overcome by weather elements and destructive pests looking for shelter. That is why Jesus commanded us not to treasure the things of this world that can be destroyed or stolen.

Jesus knows we need certain material goods in this physical world to live and work, but we dare not accumulate extra, unnecessary stuff. Instead, Jesus commands us to store up treasures that can never be destroyed or stolen. What are these eternal treasures? First and foremost is the eternal God who saved us and desires for us to know Him. Other eternal treasures include the souls of people—our spouses, children, family, brothers and sisters in Christ, and the lost who need to know Jesus. Finally, the rewards we receive from our Lord at the Bema judgment will last forever.

What does your heart treasure?

Ethan Kallberg