Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . – Matthew 6:19

I was watching an episode of Andy Griffith where the town wanted to evict an older man named Frank Myers because he hadn’t paid his taxes. While sorting through some of his belongings, a hundred year old bond was found and calculated to be worth 300 grand or so. Frank went from acting pitiful to gangster in an instant. Unfortunately for him, the money used to initiate the bond was confederate money, so it was rendered worthless.

I couldn’t help but think that one day I will draw my last breath and all my American dollars will be worthless. The only way I can pass it along is to help people by giving it away while I have the chance. Jesus promises that whatever we give up for Him and His kingdom will be rewarded a hundred fold in the next life.

Last week, I went somewhere I knew I shouldn’t. It wasn’t anywhere anyone would consider sinful, but I just had another place the Lord wanted me to be. I chose what I wanted over what He wanted. I completely blew that chance to store up some treasure in heaven and make an eternal investment. Not only that, I would have left the place He wanted me to go so filled up with His Spirit and so blessed. I lost out here, and I lost out there. I’m praying for another opportunity this week.

In these last days, it might be good for us to examine how we are spending our money and time.

Lord, I don’t want to waste my time and resources. Sitting here with You, I’m so bold and ready to obey. But when the rubber hits the road and the chance arrives . . . Sometimes I get it right, but it feels like I mostly get it wrong. Help me make eternal investments. I don’t want to stand before You with piles of worthless American dollars in my bank account. Neither do I want to stand before you knowing I wasted nearly all my time on things of zero eternal importance. Help me, Lord.