Daily Devotionals

November 14th, 2022

“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

There is a reason many of the stories in our culture center around obsession with a treasure.  It’s a very familiar theme that investing our soul in the wrong things is a trap and could potentially lead to ruin.

Of course I think about Sméagol’s “precious” from JRR Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”.  Thanks to the great film version of the book, we can all picture him fawning over the ring, such that his entire countenance changes when he is in possession of it.  Ultimately his obsession literally consumes him in fire.

To us, it seems so obvious that Sméagol’s obsession with The Ring is unhealthy and harmful.  

Of course we have to ask: what is “The Ring” in our lives?  Are we in danger of being consumed by earthly treasure?

The good news is that, as Christians, we have a direct line to a Kingdom inheritance through Jesus Christ, an immeasurably valuable treasure which leads to eternal blessing.

Pray

“God, thank You for Your provision for me.  Please show me any unhealthy relationship I have with possessions in my life and help me shed anything that is keeping me from You.  Show me what and where to give, and help me see my needs and the needs of others through Your eyes.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”