Eternal Focus

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
 
MY wife once read to me a news account of our acquaintance who is a gifted, talented woman. The news account, though, told how she had embezzled and stolen large sums of money. Apparently her focus was not on what God had given to her. She turned her eyes from her gifts and talents, her family, her husband and her business to gaze upon the things that moth and rust destroy. Sadly, she was even willing to break the law to fulfill her desires. Even worse, she was willing to break her bond with God to allow possessions to rule over her life. We all probably know of someone who trades God’s law for material possessions. Hopefully we aren’t one of those stories.
   Of course, this sad story began with Adam and Eve’s sin in Genesis 3. The human desire for more than God permitted has led to the ongoing restlessness in our souls. We all have inherited the eyes of Eve and Adam. Recall how they focused not on Eden, their personal Paradise and the whole earth at their disposal. God said, “No.” to the one tree; and yet, they could not keep their eyes from that one more thing. They greedily lusted for more, only to lose their most precious possession – their personal relationship with God. Breaking God’s law turned their love for one another and for God into guilt, shame and fear.   
   Listen to Jesus’ words. Most of us do not commit crimes to get what we don’t have. But too many of us are willing to sacrifice our relationship with God, our children, our spouse, our family  and our friends for more things we don’t have and don’t need. As our first parents in the Garden, we trade God’s favor for our eyes’ desires then suddenly find an emptiness impossible to fill.
   Jesus knows the rich life awaiting his faithful children in heaven. Desire God. Keep steadfast eyes on your Provider, Life Giver, Redeemer, Holy One, Father, Son and Spirit. And you will have all you desire.  
 
Psalms 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.