Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them

We have had a problem at our church building for the past few years, which
seems to be getting worse instead of better. Folks are leaving doors to
different parts of the facility unlocked. It varies by days of the week and
times of the day. We speculate that folks just don't remember to lock up
after themselves when they leave, but it makes you wonder if there is
something more sinister going on. Could someone outside of our members have
gotten a key?


There is no denying that security has become a major concern in our world
today. Each of us tends to be a little more cautious with our personal
security. We make sure we lock our cars and our homes; we install alarms
(and try to remember to set them). We are told that in our community, crime
has risen by 14% in the past few months, (mainly breaking into homes).


I understand, from those who are suppose to know, that no matter how hard
you try and secure your stuff, there are always weaknesses in your
preparations. Someone who is an experienced thief will find those weaknesses
and exploit them to get you stuff if they really want it.


What are we to do? What can you do, when you've done everything you can to
secure your stuff or even your own safety and it's not enough? Who do you
trust in then?


As a Christian you know the answer already, you trust in God.


I love the story about Thomas Edison when a fire completely destroyed his
research facility. His son found him watching the blaze destroy everything
he had created. Rather than dwelling upon the destruction he told his son,
"Go and get your mother, she'll never see another fire like this as long as
she lives."


He of course picked up the pieces of his life and laboratories and went on
to invent even more wonderful things.


In Matthew 6:19-21we read: "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." (NLT)


Maybe we need to stop and ask ourselves, "Just what is it in this world in
which I really trust?" In Matthew 28:20, after giving directions as to what
he expects his followers to do, he makes this promise: "And be sure of this:
I am with you always". (NLT) I will continue to trust in the Lord, the maker
of heaven and earth (Ephesians 3:15).

Russ Lawson