My kids keep asking if money is power. Not because they suddenly want to have some sort of philosophical discussion – obviously. But, it’s a line in some old Tom and Jerry movie. I tried to relate it to them on their terms by asking questions like “Does money make you happy?”
“Yes!” John Henry answered.
I tried again. “What makes you happiest? Toys or friends?”
“Friends”, he said.
Okay. “What makes you happiest? Toys or having a mommy and daddy?”
“You and daddy”, he responded.
Whew.
Then, Anna chimed in, “Mommy, Daddy AND toys!”
Poor analogy for a three-year old. For many of us, it’s a tough one, too. We can spend so much of our time accumulating or trying to accumulate stuff, we fail to accumulate the things that really matter. We store up earthly treasures, and what do our heavenly treasures look like?
We let worry and stress rob us of the knowledge that our time here on earth is brief. It’s but a vapor. Read Psalm 39:4-5. And in the end, no one will say, “Man, he had a really awesome boat.” Nor will we hear, “Did you ever visit her house on the beach?”
What will be said of those who store up heavenly treasures is “He was selfless.”
“She was a great mom.”
“He served others.”
“She invested into her friends’ lives.”
“He led me to the Lord.”
“She brought me food when our family was hungry, and I had no money.”
“He always prayed for me.”
“She understood God’s grace and imparted it to me.”
“He forgave me.”
“She was my teacher at church told me all about Jesus.”
The list could go on. Let’s not let stuff consume us. Let’s be generous toward others. And, let’s invest into what really matters.
Money is not power. Christ in you, the hope of glory is.
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ… Philippians 3:7-8
Are you storing up more earthly or heavenly treasures?
DustyTakle.com 
Grasshopper….Solomon said “Money is the answer to everything”….
Great blog Dusty! Value is the key, I guess push comes to shove, when hard times come, who do we call on? “Ghostbusters” just kidding, but our God is our treasure we call on! But friends, family, Church, is who I would trust the most! And I would trust who trusts in the Lord, as their refuge, not somebody with money only! Made my day as always! Blessing!
Dear Lord, I hope they are heavenly ones 🙂
earthlies are in the lead but the heavenlies are catching up
My kids would choose a Wii over me
Okay, I struggle with this topic. I hear all of the comments and I agree. My flesh says, Oh I want a new car, a new house or my house paid off. If I had money I would give to families who need furniture, a bed for their child.
I pray and have faith that God will provide for these families like he does for me even though I keep wanting more. The war is won. We just have to continue to fight the good fight because I know there is more than I can ever imagine in Heaven, hold on to your fork.
Judy, this is not Swerve, but feel free to go ahead and mix it up!
Roger, I think we are in the same place.
lespaul27, I struggle with finding the balance. I can go all the way to one side where I want to sell my home and downsize, and give the equity away to those in need. Then, I realize I also have two children of my own to consider and how those decisions affect them. It’s a very tough balance. I’ve heard Francis Chan talk about not keeping an “emergency fund” when so many are in emergency situations right now. I hear his heart. But, I think there is also wisdom in savings and being frugal. This is where we have to really listen to His voice. When He tells us to give, to save, or do whatever it is, we can’t go wrong. I usually pray before I give largely.
Well…not enough preachers on the blog yet lol….I do think I need to add that Jesus speaks of “TRUE RICHES”…Luke 16:11