Living By What We Treasure

What do we treasure? That is a question we must visit and revisit every day. For instance, I can remember back in my day, we as young men would cherish our first car. We would clean it inside and out. Our rooms might have been dirty, we may have neglected our chores, but our ‘first’ car would be in tip top shape.
 
Some of us would cherish how we spent our time. Fishing for example. I have some friends that live by at least one day out of the week set aside for just being outdoors by the lake or stream. Rod and line in hand, casting off in the peaceful relaxation of the hunt for life under the water. This time spent would be a treasured act performed on a routine basis.
 
A lot of us treasure our jobs. The provision of a livelihood for our families is what’s on the forefront of our minds. This allows us to be content with the long hours we work. Long hours away from our wives and husbands. Precious time away missing our son’s football game, or our daughter’s track meet. Time gone from the blessings in our lives because of how the treasure in our hearts is directed.
 
The world has taught us well how to direct our attention to 'its' purpose. So much so it has derailed our spiritual trains on paths other than the ones God has planned for us. Where is the ‘treasured heart’ for the Word of God? As Christians, let us not forget we are saved by grace. Saved by a sacrificial act of God and Son. We should not take it upon ourselves to wander in this world on our own, attempting to make our way, under our own power.
 
Instead, we must understand that this journey must be walked under the guise of direction from the Father. And the only way we can do that is to stay in God’s word. That task is easy when the Word is treasured on our hearts. Why wouldn’t we treasure His Word? Knowing that as it says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.” ~NLT
 
It is a treasure to know that we have access to information ‘…inspired by God…”  We should embrace criticism from our Father because it “…makes us realize what is wrong in our lives…” When we know, we can correct.  To learn from the Almighty what is right and to live in that righteousness. And to know without a doubt that God allows this so that we can be prepared and equipped to do, “…every good work.”  
 
Whether we accept this or not, the Word of God is a treasure. One we should have, and keep ‘first’ in our hearts. Cars will one day shut down. The excitement may cease in the time we spend fishing. And our jobs, well, they can be here one day and gone the next.  But God’s love for us will never leave. We owe the Father for giving us a second chance. Treasure Him, treasure His will for our lives and treasure  the purpose of His work in us for control of this world.
 
May the Lord continue to keep you covered in His peace, love, and healing power as you journey in Jesus’ name,
 
Amen 

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