If we unearthed a huge vein of gold in our backyard, would we dig out the gold or instead focus on harvesting out the dirt around it? It would be a great folly to choose to leave that treasure in the ground. Perhaps if we were blind, we would have a good excuse for such ignorance; but otherwise, for one who understands the value of gold to ignore such magnificent riches would be simply foolish—right?
If we understand this analogy, we must also ask ourselves if we believe earthly gold is more valuable than the Creator of these riches.
While we may instinctively respond to this with a resounding “NO,” let us take a step back and honestly assess the evidence we have amassed around us. Do the primary pursuits of our lives consist of material possessions that will remain behind when we depart from this world? Or have we invested SIGNIFICANT time and effort in eternal matters—the treasures of Heaven? Take stock of your life’s greatest accomplishments and ask yourself:
Can your accomplishments be stolen or destroyed, or are they incorruptible?
For our own good, Jesus commanded:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21
The focus of our daily pursuits reveals where our true treasure lies. Is it in our careers, romantic relationships, popularity, or wealth accumulation? Pursuing earthly things in themselves is not inherently sinful—unless we pursue them with greater passion than we pursue God.
When GOD is the greatest treasure of our heart—then ALL of our earthly treasures produce indestructible gifts for His glory.
Take a moment to contemplate the greatest treasures. What captures your greatest passion? What are your greatest goals? What do you worry about losing the most? If this were suddenly destroyed or stolen, would you be devastated? When I tested positive for Covid and thought I was losing my mind, I thought I would not be able to practice law. This made me really question where my treasure was. Was my job my greatest and most treasured identity??? Ah, it was good for me to recognize this misplaced passion and re-order my loves!
Consider the two questions that Jesus posed over two millennia ago:
What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?
What shall a man give in return for his soul?
Matthew 16:26
What was Jesus’ answer to these pointed questions? “Follow my example.” He said:
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
Matthew 16:24-25
My friend, let us do ourselves a big favor and consider WHAT we are pursuing today!!! Will we commit ourselves to loving obedience to God in our job, home, relationships, and even our recreation? When we align our hearts and actions with Jesus, who gave us ALL of Himself; we discover the richest life. No person or circumstance can EVER take God’s riches from us.
When God is the greatest love of our life, our life is spent gathering treasures that last for eternity.
We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.
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4 Responses
Love the devotional. This is a daily struggle for me . Keep me in prayer.
Spiritual warfare is a daily struggle for all of us, my friend. But I’d much rather walk through life with God than without Him! Praying now!
I am trying my best to be the woman that my father calls me to be his love so passes all I love your devotion thank you so much Kimberly God bless you.
Me too! We serve a great God!!! Have a blessed day.