REFLECTIONS

Treasure Hunting

Whether it’s a possession to add, or a relationship to heal, or a cure for a painful ailment, it seems we are always in search of something. There are perceived needs built into human nature that send us on daily pursuits. Most basic of those needs are food, shelter, and safety, but there are elements to search for that reach beyond those basic needs. The desires to sustain a way of life, or to honor a legacy, or to gain position and power often are motivations that send us into our own form of treasure hunting.

Jesus tells of the rich man who needed to build more barns to hold his grain. He told of the prodigal son who wanted to receive his inheritance so he could go in search of life’s pleasures. And he told of would-be disciples who placed personal priorities above following him. All were protecting treasures they had or in search of ways to add to their abundance.

Treasure hunting can be challenging and exciting; but it can also become as distracting and habit forming as addictive drugs. Jesus encouraged us to keep our priorities straight:

“O you of little faith? …do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.”  (Matthew 6:30-34 NKJV)

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I wonder if I’ve been looking in the right place. Perhaps it’s not something to possess, but something to give.

Offer to God thanksgiving, / And pay your vows to the Most High.

Call upon Me in the day of trouble; / I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

(Psalms 50:14-15 NKJV)

You are the light of the world,

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org

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