19
An Empty Life
Ken SilvaMatthew 6:19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also".
Matthew Chapter 6 is a reminder to guard against certain temptations. In verses 19-21, Jesus warns us to not be like the "world" and live to accumulate "things". Possessions no matter how alluring, no matter how much we think they may add to our status, is just temporary. Things of this world are fleeting and we should not live a life devoted to the accumulation of more things. Security and satisfaction is not found in temporary things, but rather in God the Father through Jesus Christ. The temptation of the pursuit of wealth can distract us from what is truly important, our relationship with Jesus Christ.
In my earlier BC (before Christ) days I was a true workaholic. I prided myself on putting in 80 hour work weeks. My motto was "capacity is a state of mind", meaning if I put my mind to it I could work until I dropped. I once went for a 3 year stretch working 2 full time jobs, averaging 80 hours per week, with only 3 days off during that entire time. I accumulated a lot of money, bought a couple of houses, but ruined important relationships and burnt myself out. I thank God that he entered my life and set my priorities straight. Because of the love of the father, I have a wonderful relationship with my wife and kids. I know where my treasure is, it's in my relationship with God.
Thank you Lord for rescuing me from myself. Thank you for reprioritizing an empty life. The peace I have in my life is just a reflection of the all consuming love you have for me. Amen.
