If someone was able to hack your computer or mine would they be able to detect what it is that occupies a lot of our time? Perhaps we spend a lot of time on Facebook playing a game. Maybe we haunt the swap nets looking for something to buy. Or, sadly, we may visit websites that we would never want anyone to know about.
One way to determine what is our "treasure" in life—is to think of where our thoughts drift to when we are not busy concentrating on our work with the family, school or the office. What do you daydream about? What do you find pleasure in as you think about it? Your grandchildren? Your partner in marriage? Your house? Your material possessions? Or, perhaps, your God.
I recently heard of a woman who worked hard with her husband to buy a large 5 bedroom home. They only succeeded in purchasing the large house after their children were married and out on their own. Now this lady is thrilled that she has the dream house she often thought about over the years. Any time guests come for a visit she takes them on a tour of the mansion. Sadly only she and her husband are enjoying the house. This woman is a professing Christian who has a god of gold—or should I say a god of real estate?
This person has not learned the lesson of today's verse. What Jesus said just before these words would make many people upset. Listen to what Jesus said. Luke 12:32-33 (NIV)
“Do not be afraid, little flock,
for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Sell your possessions and give to the poor.
Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out,
a treasure in heaven that will never fail,
where no thief comes near and no moth destroys."
Our ability to acquire earthly possessions does not impress the Lord. He owns everything, and so what we gain in this life is really only "on loan" from Him. Do not be anxious if your home is modest—some of the greatest people who ever lived had to find refuge in caves (Hebrews 11:38). God had greater respect for them and their accomplishments here on earth that for a Bill Gates and the fabulous fortune he has managed to acquire.
Give your heart to the Lord and to His work. Seek to lay up treasures in heaven and acquire wealth there. In all you do, honour the Lord and seek to give Him glory for anything you accomplish here in this life. Let your heart always be full of the things of eternity and you shall live a joyful life here on earth whatever your circumstances.