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I have been an Elder at the Community Bible Church in Minneapolis Kansas. For 35+ years.  During that time I have been writing these thought...

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

"Where Is Your Treasure?"


Victory Can Be Yours!

Article # 46 – “Where Is Your Treasure?”

            Most people spend their lives trying to get ahead.  Many slave away just trying to put a roof over their heads and food for their table.  Others work hard to try to build up a reserve, an investment portfolio, something to pass on to their children.  In today’s economy, there are probably millions of millionaires trying to get more.  And then there are those who have millions who would sell their souls to get more at any cost no matter the impact on others.   What are the real riches in our lives here on earth?

            The Scripture tells us about those who store up there treasures on earth.  In Luke chapter 12, Jesus told a parable about the rich man who had no more room to store his crops so he determined that he would tear down his barns to build larger ones.  He just needed to store up more and more.  “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’  So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:20, 21)  He went on later to say, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34)   Many search for ways to fill their barns even fuller to the point of neglecting the more important things, such as; spouse, children, friends and neighbors, and God.  There becomes an obsession to have more and more at the expense of what is most important.

            Solomon says to us, “There was a certain man without a dependent, having neither a son nor a brother, yet there was no end to all his labor.  Indeed, his eyes were not satisfied with riches and he never asked, ‘And for whom am I laboring and depriving myself of pleasure?’  This too is vanity and it is a grievous task. … ‘Vanity of vanities’, says the Preacher, ‘all is vanity!’” (Ecc. 4:8; 12:8)  These words came from a man God gave wisdom and discernment and breadth of mind greater than any man.  So these are truly words of wisdom that we should take to heart.  We are on this earth not to store up earthly treasures but heavenly treasures.  This life is only a moment in eternity and is a time for us to prepare for the next life that will last forever.  “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6: 20, 21)

            We need to consider; what is important in my life?  This is what the wise man Solomon concluded, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.  For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecc. 12:12, 14)

            You, too, can have victory in Jesus!  More to follow.

Lowell Parrish

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