What is Your Treasure?

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link. 

We recently moved into a smaller house. In doing so, we have given away five large loads of stuff. During the move I kept thinking, why do we still have SO much STUFF? I don’t recall buying all of this stuff. In truth, a good portion was gifts, but it’s still a plethora of stuff!

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Matthew 6:20-21 New Living Translation

So, should we get rid of all this stuff? We’ve already given away a tremendous amount of stuff. Was is not enough? After all, Jesus told the rich man to sell all his stuff, give the proceeds to the poor and follow Him. Does God not want us to have stuff?

Not in the least. EVERYTHING we have comes from Him. It’s how we use all of this stuff, and our attachment to it, that matters to God. Are you using your money and all of your stuff to help others? Are you using your money and stuff to further His kingdom? Or, are you becoming a hoarder and are constantly obsessed with all of your stuff?

According to a teaching by Rick Warren, to store up treasures in Heaven, you have to use your money and possessions for good. Invest in your character, encourage your fellow believers, and serve others in need.

Don’t make your home a museum, open it to others for fellowship. Give to the organizations that further the work of God. Don’t be attached to your stuff. Realize it is a gift from God – it does not define who you are or determine your status. Who you are is determined in your relationship with God, not the amount or quality of stuff you have. Occasionally, God may require you to give away all of your possessions, but ultimately, God wants you to use all that you have to further His Kingdom.

Text Copyright Larissa Odell