STOP CHASING TEMPORARY THINGS: WHAT TRULY MATTERS!( TREASURES IN HEAVEN VERSUS EARTHLY POSSESSION.)

CHRISTIAN TREASURE DEVOTION

STOP CHASING TEMPORARY THINGS: WHAT TRULY MATTERS!

Anchor Scripture: Matthew 6:19 (NLT) - “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.”

INTRODUCTION: CHASING SHADOW ( TREASURE IN HEAVEN VERSUS TREASURE ON EARTH

It’s interesting to observe that we come into this world with nothing, struggle to acquire everything, and yet leave this world with nothing.

This is the reality of our existence. Let's explore this further for a better understanding.

CHASING WHAT MATTERS IN CHRIST

Not long ago, my neighbors dropped off their children at my house. This wasn’t the first time, so I continued with my work. My daughter and two other children, both eight and nine years old, were playing together. At one point, I started hearing shouting among them—Benny (whose actual name is Benjamin, but everyone, including his parents, calls him Benny) and Ephraim. My youngest daughter, who is Benny's age, was trying to calm them down.

Benny and Ephraim were not listening to her; they were yelling at each other. Benny shouted, “You killed it!” to which Ephraim replied, “No, I did not!” Benny then threatened, “If you want to feed your cows, I won't allow you, then they will die.” I was about to step in, but I heard the voice of my older daughter, who was trying to control the situation, so I continued my work. However, the shouting did not stop. “I will kill your cows too!” the two boys continued to scream at each other. Eventually, Ephraim started crying, prompting me to intervene.

I turned to my older daughter to ask what the problem was, but then I noticed she was laughing, which led me to rebuke her. I then asked Benny what had happened while Ephraim was crying profusely. Benny exclaimed, “He allowed my cows to die! I told him to push them gently into their shed, but he pushed them too quickly and they died.” I looked around my house, confused, as we do not have cows—we live in the city. What cows was he talking about? In the midst of my daughter's laughter, she managed to explain that this entire incident was part of a game they were playing—the “Miniblock Craft” game, where players can create their own worlds, build houses, cook, and own mansions on islands. Etc.

In this game, Ephraim owned cows that somehow died, and after feeding, Benny wanted to feed his own cows too. He insisted that Ephraim's cows return to the shed after eating, but since the cows were sluggish, Benny began to push them forcefully, leading them to "die," which prompted Ephraim to cry for revenge. I attempted to calm the situation by explaining to Benny, “This is not real, it’s just a game. Your cows won’t die.”

MATTHEW 6:19 EXPLAINED : (TREASURE IN HEAVEN VERSUS EARTHLY POSSESSION

Our anchor scripture reminds us not to become so consumed by worldly possessions that we forget our purpose in life. Many people lose sight of the fact that this world is temporary. As stated in 1 Corinthians 7:31 (ESV), “...for the present form of this world is passing away.” We often spend all our time on trivial pursuits, neglecting our relationship with God. Some individuals even go so far as to harm others in their quest for material gain that will ultimately perish.

LIVING A LIFE OF PURPOSE

In Ephesians 2:10, we are told, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” This scripture serves as a reminder that we are designed to perform good works throughout our lives. We should support and uplift others, rather than engage in harmful behaviors. Our lives should direct others toward God. Yet, some people refuse to do anything for free unless it benefits them. This is not our intended purpose. We are called to live as examples, as indicated in Matthew 5:13—we are the salt of the earth.

CONCLUSION: HOW TO BE WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO BE

The only way to truly live is to adhere to the will of our Creator, which involves fulfilling His purpose. The world is transitory, and everything within it, including ourselves, is temporary. Only God's word will endure. We are called to pursue things of eternal significance, rather than temporary possessions that will decay.

PRAYERS: Father, in heaven, thank you for your words to me today, help me Lord to live a life committed wholly unto you in Jesus name amen.

Are you ready to live a purposeful life in Christ? Make up your mind today.