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Monday, July 29, 2013

Laying Up Treasures

Keith Drury in his book “Unveiled Faces” writes that “simplicity is intentionally paring down our lifestyles toward the essentials to free ourselves from the tyranny of things and focus more on the spiritual life.” When we practice simplicity we are saying “we believe our happiness is not found in the abundance of our possessions, but in the fewness of our wants.”

Sometimes we mistakenly think that materialism might be a problem for only those who have lots of money, but it applies to all of us. No matter how many things we might have, we can covet many things. We can covet not only possessions, but also relationships. Laying up treasures in heaven is all about what we treasure in our heart.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal,” Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, “but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

In these verses Jesus perfectly describes the difference between treasures on earth and treasures in heaven. Worldly possessions are susceptible to worldly destruction.They do not last. Only what is not tangible lasts. Jim Elliot understood this paradox when he wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” A wise man gives away in order to gain. 


What I am unable to give away is what I treasure most. What I am not able to let go indicates my heart's allegiance. It reveals the focus of my life. Nothing should come before God. As I let go of that which has defined my life, I let Him define who I am. It is simple, and simplicity at its greatest.

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