Guest Post by Author Nancy Lewis-Shelton
“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…You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:19-24 NIV)
Many years ago, my husband, Ben, took me to shop for a winter coat. I didn’t find any I liked until, on an expensive rack, I saw a brown, suede beauty. The garment cost more than any piece of clothing I’d ever owned. After we left, Ben returned to the store to buy it for me. It stretched our budget to the max, but it was so beautiful I didn’t want to return it. Soon, we left to pick up a two-year-old dog we had agreed to adopt. I carried her to the car and placed her in my lap. All of a sudden, she covered my new garment with vomit. As I tried to clean up the mess, it became worse with each swipe of the cloth. I never wore it again. If I close my eyes, I can still see that coat in the closet, there to remind me of the dangers of cultural influences and the joys of heavenly ones which last forever.
In Matthew, Jesus asks his followers to consider if they seek heavenly or earthly treasures, and if they serve God or wealth. He calls on his disciples to have a single-minded devotion to God. Today, we live in a culture which often places high priorities on having the best and most of everything, whether its possessions, status, money, relationships, or something else. What we value the most shapes our hearts and guides our actions.
Prayer: Dear God, Guide me to focus on living for you. Help me to resist the pressures of others who seek worldly-minded treasures. I want to keep my focus on living for you. Help me continue to reflect on Jesus’ teachings and apply them to my daily life, using my resources to bring love, hope, and guidance to others. Amen
Thought: “Those who trust in their riches will fail, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” (Proverbs 11:28)
Nancy Lewis-Shelton retired from public education after years as a classroom teacher and school counselor. Published work includes devotionals and fiction/non-fiction short stories for adults and children. Recent publications include two fiction novellas about Cookie, a pet sitter. Volunteer activities include: church senior choir, elementary school Reading Buddy (Council of Churches), and a local oral storytelling group. When she’s not writing or volunteering, you might find her digging in the garden, playing bridge, reading, enjoying events with her daughter’s family, or participating in activities with her pet therapy dog, Robin.