Where our Treasure is

Matthew 16:24-26
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?’”

I was given the most perfect rose the other day. I sat it on my bedside table and watched it bloom into a beautiful sight. Its scent was as strong as a perfume bottle. I loved it so much that I wanted to save it forever. So I hung it upside down to dry it, hoping to carefully preserve it. But when I looked it over the next day, the bloom was much smaller and the scent had gone away.

Immediately this verse in Matthew came to mind. “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” I wished I had enjoyed my rose for what it was – and for the time it would bloom. I was in such a hurry to save it I missed out on its best bloom and lost the beauty it was truly intended for.

How often do we do so in life? We get so set on worldly things and chase them endlessly. We are always one step ahead in our life plans. And even those of us with hearts for the Lord can get caught up in building our life here on earth. What is it that we are so stuck on saving? For we know in our hearts that which will truly last – Christ and His Word. How hard are we trying to save our lives? And how much more can we “lose” for Him who gave His all for us?

Jesus said where our treasure is, our hearts will be also. Let’s find our treasure in Him today.

Lord, help me to set my mind on things above and to enjoy the precious days of life you give. Thank you for providing all I need and for blessing me with life and health and loving family and friends. Open my eyes to the needs of others and the fleeting life of material things. Give me the courage I need to deny myself and take up my cross daily for you.