Ponderings for Lent: Treasure

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Sunday - 9:15 AM Sunday School, 10:30 AM Worship Service

by: Denise Robinson

03/24/2023

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What is the number one thing you value most in life? That's a hard question because we value so many things: family, friendships, our career, our financial security, good health. Jesus posed a challenging thought in Matthew 6:21: "For where your treasure is, there your heart also will be." Lent invites us to think on the word "treasure" and consider the question, "What do I treasure and where is my heart?"
The word "treasure" might be defined as something of great value, something that we cherish and hold dear. In a material sense, treasure might include anything from gold and silver, diamonds and rubies, real estate, and cash. In a spiritual sense, treasure is something much deeper. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, warns against laying up for ourselves treasures on earth because earthly treasures decay over time and can be stolen from us. Physical, earthly treasures, no matter how tightly we try and hold onto them, are temporary. In contrast, spiritual treasures cannot be taken from us and will never turn to rust or decay - they are permanent. We take them with us into heaven. 
So, what exactly are these spiritual treasures we should be seeking? One of the most valuable treasures we can pursue is our relationship with God. Through prayer, worship, and devotional time, we can deepen our connection with God and grow in our faith. The more we seek God, the more our spiritual treasure grows. Another spiritual treasure is our love for others. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." When we love others, we show our love for God. When we serve others in Jesus's name, we are building up a store of spiritual treasure that will last into eternity.
During the season of Lent, we are called to journey inward and reflect on our priorities. Jesus doesn't say we shouldn't love our families and friends; they are, after all, part of the "others" we are to love. Jesus, in human form, loved and cared for his earthly mother, Mary. But, overall, Jesus is saying that our faith, matured and lived, should take priority over everything else, because only it will last. What does the word "treasure" mean to you? Where is your heart? I encourage you today to reflect on one thing you might change in your life to bring you one small step closer to God. 
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What is the number one thing you value most in life? That's a hard question because we value so many things: family, friendships, our career, our financial security, good health. Jesus posed a challenging thought in Matthew 6:21: "For where your treasure is, there your heart also will be." Lent invites us to think on the word "treasure" and consider the question, "What do I treasure and where is my heart?"
The word "treasure" might be defined as something of great value, something that we cherish and hold dear. In a material sense, treasure might include anything from gold and silver, diamonds and rubies, real estate, and cash. In a spiritual sense, treasure is something much deeper. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, warns against laying up for ourselves treasures on earth because earthly treasures decay over time and can be stolen from us. Physical, earthly treasures, no matter how tightly we try and hold onto them, are temporary. In contrast, spiritual treasures cannot be taken from us and will never turn to rust or decay - they are permanent. We take them with us into heaven. 
So, what exactly are these spiritual treasures we should be seeking? One of the most valuable treasures we can pursue is our relationship with God. Through prayer, worship, and devotional time, we can deepen our connection with God and grow in our faith. The more we seek God, the more our spiritual treasure grows. Another spiritual treasure is our love for others. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." When we love others, we show our love for God. When we serve others in Jesus's name, we are building up a store of spiritual treasure that will last into eternity.
During the season of Lent, we are called to journey inward and reflect on our priorities. Jesus doesn't say we shouldn't love our families and friends; they are, after all, part of the "others" we are to love. Jesus, in human form, loved and cared for his earthly mother, Mary. But, overall, Jesus is saying that our faith, matured and lived, should take priority over everything else, because only it will last. What does the word "treasure" mean to you? Where is your heart? I encourage you today to reflect on one thing you might change in your life to bring you one small step closer to God. 
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