Treasure or trash?
Are you a fan of yard sales or flea markets? How do you distinguish “treasure” from “trash” at these events? Family, friends, and loved ones are our treasures, but what do we treasure beyond those special relationships?
This past Saturday, we had a “yard” sale at church to support mission projects. That’s somewhat of a misnomer, since it is SO HOT we had most of the items inside with our AC running full speed, for workers and shoppers to enjoy a brief respite from the relentless heat wave.
Many folks in our church had cleaned out basements, storage buildings, and dust collecting items from their home to fill our tables with “stuff.” People also donated a multitude of books, exercise equipment and furniture. Our sidewalks outside displayed tables overflowing with items to peruse before the mid-morning sun became unbearable. Our indoor fellowship hall overflowed with “treasure and trash,” depending on one’s perspective.
In preparation for the event, we spent hours and hours unloading boxes, sorting items, washing off years of dust and grime from glassware, and pondering over the memories these old items had for the families who’d valued them. We were reminded to consider our own treasured memories.
Throughout life, we obviously gather precious memories, family mementoes, and some material objects. Depending upon our tendencies–we may be a collector, a clutter-bug, a hoarder, or a careful gatherer of only the necessities. We all have some “treasures” and perhaps some “trash” in our homes.
What are our treasures?
Jesus reminded us to be careful about our treasures on earth:
“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 6:19-21
I don’t think Jesus meant that we shouldn’t have things we value on earth–memories, mementoes, and material things bring us pleasure and joy. (Some material things are necessary for comfortable existence). But, Jesus reminds us that material objects–“stuff”– should not come between us and our relationship with Him.
Our time with our Lord is important–praise and worship, prayer and meditation, Bible study, gathering in fellowship with believers, service to God and one another–these active practices of faith prepare us for our treasures in heaven.
Too much focus on our “treasures” can interfere with our relationship with our Father. A rich young man asked Jesus how he could inherit the kingdom of God. Jesus reminded him of the importance of keeping God’s commandments. The rich man acknowledged his adherence to the commandments. Then Jesus said:
“You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad because he was wealthy.
Luke 18:22-23
Jesus was aware of what this young man treasured. Our Lord doesn’t expect us to give away all that we have and live in poverty. But he does expect us to keep God as our first priority. If money is more important to us than our Father, then we are separated from God.
It isn’t just “stuff” that separates us from God.
Early in my marriage, I had a chance for advancement in my career. I became overly committed to my job. Although, I didn’t neglect my children, our marriage suffered because my career took precedence over my husband’s needs. Because I wasn’t honoring my husband, I was also not in God’s will. It took a hard lesson to bring me to my senses.
I invite you to consider if there are things which separate you from God. Is it a need for material things or a lifestyle which competes with your neighbors? Is it a need for recognition, success in your career, or accolades for a job well done? Do relationships with loved ones come before your relationship with our Lord?
Our greatest treasure is our relationship with our Lord and Savior.
The Apostle Paul reminds us:
However, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”–the things God has prepared for those who love him–
1 Corinthians 2:9
My immediate thought was, “Treasure, what a loaded word that is.” What and, more importantly, whom we treasure in this life often reflects what we store up as treasures in heaven for our eternal life. If I’m honest, there’s very little I want or need here beyond that which I treasure most. My Ms. Diane, family, my scant few cherished and dear friends, and the memories of people, events, and actions, that I pray will somehow, some day, point to God. I too am a “collector of stuff” Ms. Katherine, because like every farmer I’ve ever known I have a “I’m going to need that one day” mindset. 🙂 After a few years of moving it from place to place in my workshop, I’ll throw it away or share it with one of my friends or neighbors who can actually use it. Usually, that ends up with my having to purchase a replacement. LOL Still, great thoughts on what we place value on by attaching the word “treasure” to. I try not to use that word for material things because they’re all fleeting. Relationships on the other hand, I think that’s where our real treasures are found. I pray that my treasured friends and family find their way to Christ so I have an eternity among my “treasures”. See you there sweet friend. God’s blessings.
You shared a smile today, J.D. Thank you! I was raised with the concept of, “Don’t throw anything away and always accept what people give you because you might need it someday.” So, I have “stuff,” too. I’m trying to sift through and get rid of what I don’t need or is really useless. It’s hard! I keep thinking I might need it. Like you, I’ve discarded or given away an item and needed it soon after. But I must confess, that is a rare occurrence. I agree, my friend, relationships are what is important, most especially our relationship with our Savior. Looking forward to meeting you and loved ones in eternity, but still hope for a face-to-face someday here, too. Wishing you a blessed week (with rain and cooler temperatures).
A powerful reminder, Katherine. Thank you.
Thank you, Diana. I’m grateful for your encouragement. Wishing you a joyful week!
I love the subject. I do enjoy treasure hunting, and love the thought that my greatest treasure is something I already possess, my relationship with Christ. He is my treasure. Thanks for such a great reminder!
We are so blessed by the great love our Lord Jesus has for us. He is our Treasure. Blessings, my friend!
I hadn’t considered how the spiritual disciplines of Bible reading, corporate worship, fellowship are meant to prepare us to enjoy our heavenly treasures. Good perspective! Having distributed over 750 precious treasures belonging to my parents throughout the spring, I’d been intensely focused on the stuff I (and my husband) wanted from among their estate. I was blessed to receive many of them—on display here at our place— a beautiful reminder of the intangible treasure of their love and faithfulness as a couple and parents. I pray my children will value the treasure of a relationship with Jesus above and beyond anything we leave behind.
I join you in that prayer for our children, Mary. Thank you for sharing. Distributing family “treasures” is tough. I know it was bittersweet, being with your family, selling the house, and remembering the joy of family. Thinking of you.
This topic can never be addressed enough because we are pulled away from our Lord by the things and events around us. We may not mean to or even realize we have drifted away from our priority but it can happen if we are not diligent to abide with Him over everything else. Thanks, Katherine, for sharing this valuable reminder of where our treasure should be.
The enemy constantly sends messages, desires, material objects, and people in an effort to separate us from God. As you point out, many times we don’t realize we have been pulled away from our Father’s security until we are in trouble. May God continue to bless your ministry of service to Him, Barbara.
It’s a profound thing to walk around our homes and consider things we think are valuable that no one else ever would. And what does God think?
May we always keep the right perspective since someday, we will leave it all behind.
You said it best, Nancy–“What does God think?” That’s the only thing that matters, isn’t it? Wishing you a blessed week!
Our greatest treasure indeed is our relationship with Jesus. The Prince of Peace calms us and guides us to minister to others. He forgives when we confess and comforts when we’re distraught. Thank you, Katherine for reminding us of the importance of treasuring time with Him above all.
I’m trying to remind myself, too, Jeannie! When I am overwhelmed by “must-do” tasks (by my perspective), I tend to rush through my time with God which should be my top priority. Thank you for encouraging me, my friend. Wishing you joy and blessings!
It’s tempting the treasure the wrong things as we navigate life. Thankfully, Jesus is a patient teacher and meets us where we are. I treasure the spiritual blessings I receive along the way. I love the idea that this is preparing me for the heavenly treasures to come.
Yes, I can definitely identify with the problem of treasuring the wrong things. I’ve done it! Thankfully, as you remind us, Jesus is patient. I’ve been the undeserving beneficiary of His patience, mercy, and blessing more times than I can count. Thank you for sharing, Candyce.
Thank you for the wonderful reminder. Our most precious treasure is my Lord and Savior. I sometimes try to put other things at the top of the list so I pray I can always put God first.
I’m praying that same prayer, Yvonne, to keep our Savior at the top of our “most treasured” list. Thank you sharing it here to encourage us. May God continue to bless you and your ministry of service to Him.
I love garage sales. I once heard a saying that you can’t take a uhaul to heaven. It’s silly but it reminds me where my focus needs to be.
You are right, Jen, we “can’t take it with us,” although it seems tempting to seek material things to make our life here better. As you point out, our focus should always be first on our Lord and Savior. I pray we can. Wishing you good health and joy.
We all get excited about treasures. I LOVE to find an unexpected treat at a garage sale! Most of us get a thrill when we get a new something. I think you hit the nail on the head, though. Do we recognize and appreciate the true treasures? They are the eternal ones that God offers. Thanks for pointing us back to Him.
I’m with you, Barb, I love finding those unexpected treasures. But isn’t it wonderful that our most wonderful treasure is always just a prayer away? Wishing you a blessed day!
The older I get the less I value “stuff”. I’ve had enough of it to know it doesn’t make me happy for very long. The new quickly wears off and I’m on to the next new thing.
As far as relationships go, a Relationship with Jesus is the one that deepens every other relationship in my life. I need this encouragement to treasure it above all other things.
There’s lots of wisdom in this post, Katherine. Thanks!
You express that most important thing so well, Terri: “a relationship with Jesus is the one that deepens every other relationship in my life.” Truth! Thank you for sharing with us.