"But store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do
not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Success can be measured in many ways, dependent upon whom you are and
the culture you live in. Having material wealth often is viewed as a sign of
accomplishment and is supposed to offer us security and freedom. It shows that we are
achievers in this world, and the ancient philosophers thought this was a sign of good
grace from God or gods.
Jesus however teaches otherwise. We are given the responsibility for
our environment, and the next person and we are stewards, not owners, of the goods
entrusted to us, material or spiritual.
This morning we heard an excellent presentation by Dr. Ramzieh Asmeh
about her faith. A pillar in her Islam belief is charity towards others; taking a part of
your own surplus and sharing it with the needy, not through an organized church, but as an
expression of your faith for God alone to see.
These Bible passages teach us the same, to trust in God for daily needs
and to use his gifts to us as good stewards of his world. If we listen to his word and
follow his instruction, we shall accomplish his purpose and have treasure in heaven. This
however requires us to truly submit to his will and put our own wishes and thoughts after
his....
May this Lenten season teach and inspire us about his will and plan for
Reformation Lutheran Church.
