Spiritual Treasures
Debra Pierce (Massachusetts, USA)





TODAY'S READING
Matthew 6:19-24


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Spiritual treasures have eternal value.


PRAYER FOCUS
People moving to new homes




Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. - Matthew 6:20 (NRSVUE)



My husband and I are downsizing. Moving to a smaller home requires donating and discarding items in our current house. For me, this involves parting with an antique collection I acquired in the 90s with my brother Bob on our “treasure hunts.” We were on quests to find relics from the past. Bob scoured shelves for childhood toys while I rummaged through boxes searching for antique tins with graphics from bygone eras.

Bob passed away many years ago, and the antiques displayed in my house remind me of those long-ago treasure hunts. But now it’s time to part with them.

In that earlier season of my life, collecting these treasures was a priority. Now as I put them all in a large box, today’s scripture reading is on my mind.

Our earthly treasures, whether money, possessions, or a collection of antiques, have no value in heaven. Instead, Jesus exhorts us to store up heavenly treasures. Worship and obedience to God, seeking God in scripture, supporting the church with my tithes, talents, and time, praying for the needs of others, being kind and encouraging, and sharing my faith through my writing are my spiritual treasures. They have value not only here but in my eternal home in heaven.



TODAY'S PRAYER
Lord Jesus, may our desire be to store up heavenly treasures, knowing that where our treasure is there our hearts will be also. Amen.