Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.     Matthew 6:19-21 HCSB

If someone came to you and offered to make you a multi-millionaire for two years, but for the rest of your life you would be homeless and hungry, would you accept their offer?

As for me, I would not. I’m not wealthy by any means, but I am comfortable. I do my best to put God first and He supplies all that I need. And while I don’t always get everything I want, He sometimes throws a want or two in for a bonus. I am grateful to God because I understand that I have comes from Him because He owns and controls all things.

What frightens me, however, is the vast number of people who are idolizing possessions and wealth. They can’t get to church on Sunday because they are working overtime to acquire wealth or be able to afford what they have already purchased on credit. They’ve bought big ticket items like cars, boats, or season tickets and prefer to spend the Lord’s Day taking care of their blessings.

They are unable to worship at church because they are worshiping at the altar of their job, their treasures or their televisions and sports.

We like to have money here on earth to impress those around us. Be very careful because in doing so, you may fail to impress God. God wants to be first in our lives. He controls everything. He blessed you with these things and he can just as easily take them away from you. Don’t take my word for it, read the book of Job.

When we store up treasures here on earth whether it’s money, gold, silver, and/or precious stones we may be giving up our treasures in heaven. So, going back to my question, would you want to leave a comfortable lifestyle where you have a home and food to eat to become a millionaire for two years, knowing when the two years are up you would be homeless and hungry for the rest of your life?

That’s what we do when we get overly concerned about having treasures here on earth. We accept these treasures for the short time we live on earth if God allows us to keep them that long. We exchange them for an eternity in paradise. We give up a mansion in heaven. We give up walking on streets of gold for an eternity. We give up being residents in a city where the gates are made of a single pearl and the walls are made of precious gemstones. We give up spending an eternity in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

When we are more focused on our possessions and our wealth and it takes us away from the Lord, we run the risk of forfeiting these things for an eternity in hell. In Revelation 20:10 it is referred to as a lake of fire and sulfur the beast and false prophet will end up. It’s described as a place where the residents will be tormented day and night forever and ever. The worst thing about hell is God is not there. There is no hope because He’s not there to help us.

I’ve decided to forego temporary pleasures that bring destruction and heartache. I’ve decided to not concern myself with temporary treasures and focus on my permanent home. I’m pretty excited about it actually.

I strongly encourage you to take a good look at your life and how you live it. Where is your heart? Is it busy with temporary treasures and pleasures? Or have you surrendered it to the Lord your God?

There will come a day, and personally I believe it’s coming soon, when it will be too late to decide. Please decide wisely while there is still time.

Have a great day!