Dear Friends,
After some general conversation, our new financial advisor posed the question, “What is your primary objective?” Without missing a beat, Bonnie responded, “To make sure our ‘nest egg’ doesn’t become a ‘goose egg’!”
Later we started to wonder, ”What about our ‘spiritual nest egg’? When we get to heaven, what will we have ‘paid forward’?”
As part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke about storing up treasures in heaven, “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 … For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
Since no one gets to take a U-Haul with them to heaven, what is the treasure Jesus was talking about?
The treasure is found in our relationship with Christ.
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3 (NIV)
So the treasures are wisdom and knowledge found in Christ Jesus. The more we come to know him, the more we can be encouraged and united in love to other believers.
What impact does this have? Once again we find answers in Colossians, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith …, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (verses 6-7)
In God’s economy, treasure is not to be hoarded, but shared. Let us join with the Apostle Paul in praying for opportunities to share the good news:
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ.
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 2-3a, 5-6 (NLT)
Our financial advisors can help us avoid turning our “nest eggs” into “goose eggs”, but the spiritual “nest egg” we leave to our family, friends and others is our love of Christ, reflected in the way we live.
Verse for the week: Philippians 4:19 (NLT) And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 