I preached a sermon this week on the following passage

Matthew 6:19-21 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

It was a difficult study for me because I have a treasure problem. I have a hard time keeping “things” in perspective. I’m certain I am not alone in this struggle, but I certainly wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable, so we will keep this about me. (If I knew how to type a sarcastic tone, you would see it here.)

The first part of my problem is thinking that treasure is mine. I work hard for my money. My home is my castle. I have every right to control my stuff. I fail to understand that all I have is God’s. He is the creator and sustainer of all things including my house and my car and my golf clubs. He is allowing me, for a time, to watch His stuff. I should be thankful for every moment He gives me and I should not expect or assume He will give me one more moment as manager of His things.

Second, when I am not careful how I view these treasures, rather than seeing them as gifts from a loving God, they can become a god in my eyes and in my heart. Treasure can become where I find fulfillment and purpose. Treasure can become where I find security. Treasure can become where I put my faith and trust. Treasure can begin to take God’s place in my heart. True fulfillment, purpose, security, faith and trust are only found in God. Things are temporary. Either you will die and be separated from your treasures or moth, rust, and thief will come and you will be separated from your treasures. Treasures are temporary, God is eternal.

Right now, God is checking my perspective. He has asked me to loosen my grip on a very precious treasure. He is going to separate me from this treasure for a time. Will I hold tight and say, “This is mine! I have the right to hold this!” Will my security and my faith be shaken in the absence of this? Or will I loosen my grip, trust Him and know that the heavenly treasure that comes from earthly obedience is the true prize? Pray for me.

You see, this treasure is my daughter. God has asked her to serve in the mission field for one year. She can not be obedient to the call if I am not obedient. If I stake my claim to this treasure on earth, we both lose. We may never fathom the loss realized by the impoverished in Costa Rica. Jesus, YOU are my treasure. Use our daughter to change the world.

She leaves in June.