Bible Thoughts November 7, 2004
"Do Not store up for yourselves
treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves
break in and steal"(Matthew
6:19).
The physical of this life cannot be found in eternal life. Those treasures that we so highly value in this life will end for the owner at death. "You cannot take it with you" has often been said to those who accumulate the riches of this life. It is also true that at the stroke of a pen, our money can be of no value. Earthly wealth is for this life, not the next. How sad it is that so many seek the riches of this world without thinking about the next life. One can build a real and true treasure for the next life by becoming a Christian and living a faithful life.
Jesus made the point about the love of the
materialism of this life. "...for
where your treasure is, there your heart will he
also"(Matthew 6:21). Many have been
captured by the offerings of this life with little notice of
concerning the future. When one invests in the gospel of Jesus
Christ through obedience and continued faithfulness, such a one has
the riches of an eternal life.
"But store up for yourselves
treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where
thieves do not break in or steal"(Matthew 6:20).
When one is faithful to the teachings of
Jesus Christ, he avoids the spiritually destructive material items of
this life. No one can take salvation from the faithful: it can only
be given up by the person who ignores the teachings of the New
Testament. No thief can take it: but--one can give it up.
"..for where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also"(Matthew 6:21).
It is not difficult to determine what one
values. Observe the lifestyle of a person. Does he place the
kingdom and God's righteousness first? Or, if he/she has time and
feels like it, they will be at services, read God's book, encourage
others, and seek to do good to others--but, too often, let the
affairs of this life interfere with one's responsibility to the Lord
and His kingdom. Somewhere along the way, such a one has failed to
follow the instructions of the Master, "Seek ye first His kingdom and His righteousness, and
all these things shall be added to you"(Matthew 6:33). In order to follow the instructions
of Jesus Christ, one must have his/her priorities. Think: What is
first in your heart? The Lord and His way or the attractions of the
world?
"No one can serve two masters: for
either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted
to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and
wealth"(Matthew 6:24).
It is not wrong to earn a living and have sufficient funds to support one's family. However, if one's desire is constant accumulation of the items of this life, while neglecting one's spiritual responsibilities, such a one is trying to "serve two masters." When a choice must be made between the further accumulation of wealth or sacrificing to serve the Lord, faithful Christians will honor the Lord and follow His teachings, whatever be the price.
When one is faithful and desires to serve
the Lord, the Master will provide what is needed to the Christian.
A crown of life is eternal; a few dollars in the bank is not!
"So do not worry about tomorrow;
for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its
own"(Matthew 6:34).
Man does not have control over the future.
Humans exist in the present and what achievements they make are while
they are living in that day, week, month, or year. What will happen
tomorrow cannot be sure from today. Whatever one may plan to achieve
is not absolutely certain. How many times have you planned for the
next day only to find out that things did not work out?
"Tomorrow will care for
itself." One is to properly prepare
for the future, but one does not know the future. It is wasted
effort to worry about something one cannot control. The future takes
care of itself. The Lord is trying to help those of His day to
realize that one is to live day by day and work out the problems as
they arise--not worry over them. Often, the cure for worry is
action--do something that will ease the difficulties, problems, and
troubles that come one's way...and...put the rest in the hands of the
Lord.
"And the multitude of them that
believed were of one heart and one soul; and not one of them said
that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had
all things common" (Acts
4:32).
The early Christians felt for the needs of
others. They willingly sacrificed to see that other disciples were
properly clothed and fed. Their actions were motivated by the love
they had for each other. They were of "one heart and one soul."
Whatever they possessed, they shared. This unity of spirit
characterized Christians in the early church; it characterizes those
who are Christians at the present. Individuals who love the Lord
love those who belong to the Lord. When opportunity presents itself
to help, they are willing to sacrifice. The real spirit of giving is
demonstrated in this example among the early Christians. Even in our
day Christians will sacrifice in order to see to the needs of others.
Personal concerns and personal
action is a way of life for those who follow the scriptures.
"And every day, in the temple
and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus as the
Christ"(Acts 5:42).
The early Christians treasured the gospel that they had received. They desired that others would know of the Christ and his sacrifice. Wherever the occasion arose, they would speak the words of truth to those who would listen. In our age, Christians continue to teach others the blessed gospel of Jesus Christ. They teach it by living by the principles taught therein; they teach it by speaking with others about the truth. Whenever an opportunity arises, they are willing to share what God says with their friends and their neighbors. The members of the church of Christ are enthusiastic in their desire to share the truth with others. Not only do we use this paper to teach of Christ and His love, but we offer several opportunities for you to study the Bible with us; not just in our services. We will gladly come to your home or send you a Bible course, all of which is free. The church charges NOTHING for her services. May we help you?