"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
Not About
Money
My dear friend Sally died last week. Because Sally had been fighting cancer, her
passing was anticipated, but untimely as her illness had been discovered only a
few months ago. As I sat with her the
day before she died, we shared memories and sang old hymns together. She knew that her time was very short.
At the end of our visit, as I was walking
away, Sally called my name. I walked
back to her bedside. There, my friend
reached up and took my hand in both of hers.
She looked into my eyes and said “Goodbye.” I kissed her hand and said “Sally, I’m coming
back tomorrow. I’ll see you then.” She said “Okay.” And I left her room.
The next day, I returned to her door there at
the nursing home and found her room full of people. I asked her pastor how Sally was doing. He replied that Sally had passed away…not
thirty minutes before my arrival.
Immediately, I reflected back to the last hour I had shared with my
sweet sister in the Lord. Of the years
of friendship we had shared, of her love and prayerful support. I am a rich man.
It’s About People
I am a wealthy man. Did you not know this? I am.
Not because of any money in my bank account. Trust me…it’s not because of money. With my salvation accepted as my greatest
possession, I suggest to you that relationships are our next greatest gift. I
believe I’m rich because my life is full of friendships like the one I shared
with Sally. Brothers and sisters in the
Body of Christ who are a part of my life, my testimony, and my circle of
prayer…these are the gold in my account. These are true wealth on this
earth. I am wealthy because of the
friendships God has blessed me with.
Of these relationships, I believe it can be
said – that moth and vermin cannot destroy them. Nor can thieves break in and steal them. These are treasures stored up that I have not
only in this life, but also the life to come.
So, are you putting people first? Are you taking stock and nurturing the
relationships that God has given to you?
Singer/songwriter Russ Taff wrote many years ago: “I’ve watched friends
who drifted out of my life ‘cause I didn’t take time…” Consider your treasures.
Prayer
Almighty
God, We periodically sing “What a friend we have in Jesus”. Yet we can get so busy that we neglect the
friends we have IN Jesus. Awaken us to
the fellowship of the Family of God, and make us sensitive to the needs of
these whom we love, and are so loved by.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
