Matthew 6:19 - Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and
rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. (NIV)
When we first came over from Scotland, our family brought many cherished
personal belongings that reminded us of the "auld country". Amongst these
treasures was an old hickory-shafted putter that I had owned since I was a
child. I bought it at a flea market for about five shillings. Whenever and
wherever I played golf, I took the putter with me.
I was much too busy to play golf on a regular basis when I arrived in North
America, so eventually I stored my golf clubs in the shed at the bottom of the
garden. I thought they would be safe there, because I kept them under lock and
key.
Several years passed by, and then I was invited to take part in a golf
tournament for a local mission. The organizers were trying to raise money for
homeless people. I suggested that they could put up my Scottish putter, which
had been hand-made in St. Andrews, as a special prize. They were delighted with
the offer, for they believed it would help raise a lot of money.
I went back to the shed and unlocked the door. I looked for the putter in the
golf bag, but it wasn't there. I turned the bag upside down, and suddenly the
steel head of the putter clanged on the ground. The hickory staff had been
completely eaten by termites. My cherished Scottish putter was no more!
Jesus cautions us about setting our hearts on material things, which will
eventually rust and decay. They have no eternal value, whereas life with Him is
everlasting. That's where our real treasure lies, and if we cherish God's
kingdom while we live here on earth, we will have riches above and beyond all
that we can ever own or compare.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to value those sacred treasures that can never be
diminished nor destroyed. Teach us to cherish Your words and ways, Your life and
love, which last eternally. Grant us the ability to share these treasures with
all whom we love and know. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart traqair@aol.com
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca
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