by Rev Douglas Brauner

Treasuring God More Than Things

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

For the last two plus years I’ve shot a lot of pictures with film cameras rather than digital ones.  This has led to what is commonly referred to as GAS, no not the gas that you’re thinking about, but Gear Acquisition Syndrome.

I like cameras and the shelf in my study proves this fact. It all started with a Bronica SQ-A, a medium format camera. That led to other cameras, developing equipment, and a freezer filled with Kodak, Fuji, Ilford, and Fomapan films.

More than likely you have a different obsession than I have. My oldest sister’s apartment was filled with skeins of yarn most of which were never used by the time that she passed away. Maybe you’re obsessed with collecting National Geographic magazines.

Collecting things is not the problem, it’s whether we consider these things to be our “treasure.”

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Luke 12:34 English Standard Version

Too often my treasures are in my things. There are times that I find it easier to talk about camera gear than to share my faith or be a listening ear to someone who’s battling cancer.

It’s easier to talk about things.

It’s safer to talk about things.

It’s more convenient to talk about things.

Things can become our treasure, a prize in which we put our hope, a jewel in which we find joy. We’re consumed by our treasures.

Fortunately, we are God’s treasure and his heart burns for us. His gift of Jesus proves the depth of his love. God proved his heart in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

God treasures you. Let me say that again. God treasures you. He is obsessed with you.

Since God treasures you, your perspective on things begins to change. One day my cameras will die or end up on someone else’s shelf, but I will forever be cherished by God.

May God change our hearts that we treasure him more than anything else.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs Colorado