Deuteronomy 8:18 – “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”
Psalms 49:10 – “For he sees that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.“
Proverbs 15:16 – “Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.”
Isaiah 33:6 – “And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.”
Matthew 16:19-21 – “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Luke 12:27 – “Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”
What is “treasure”? Or what is A “treasure”?
Holding your newborn child for the first time? Finding out the stirrings in your heart meant that you fell in love….. Is it a treasure to be in Jerusalem for the first time? To walk the shores of the Sea of Galilee? It is a treasure to BE loved, appreciated, and respected?
A treasure is something that is judged to be highly important in someone’s eyes. But we know that each person sees “importance” differently. Some like old cars, old trains, antiques, and archeologists not only like old, but ancient things. Some like new things, and can’t wait to have the latest trending items. Some like risks like high interest financial instruments, some seek physical gold and silver.
But, as believers, we should have a passion for what GOD sees as “treasure”. True wealth is something that we can’t “have”. As people on this planet, it has been proven that we might temporarily maintain possession for a season, but we don’t “have” anything. The beauty of understanding this comes from seeing it from God’s eyes. Wisdom, empathy, patience, generosity, spending time, sharing our faith, and strengthening someone’s shattered faith in are all components of what it takes to store up real treasure and build wealth from the heavenly perspective.
Have you ever seen the look on a person’s face on a new believer? Have you seen the smile of an old person’s face when there is loving reconciliation with a family member after a long period of time about a misunderstanding years ago? Have you ever felt the hug of a person that you have touched through a generous gesture in tough times? Have you ever felt the satisfaction of standing up for God’s principles in the work place where your job was threatened by unbelievers? These are deep. Really deep. These things are totally understandable, but often not embraced as the incredible milestones in life that they really are.
One thing that I have treasured in my life is the At Work On Purpose community. The growing that I had, the prayers that were made BY me and others FOR me, the times in my heart I had been truly blessed by associating with Chuck Proudfit and so many other wonderful people.
My heart grows weary many times, but the Lord Jesus brings realization of TRUE treasure and wealth. It is not a 401K, not some number at a bank or credit union, not a paycheck, and not how many doors are on my garage. When someone finds me valuable, it’s wealth. When I run to a friend in trouble, it’s wealth. When I see God as the true provider of all I would ever need, it’s wealth.
Thank You, Lord; for showing me wealth and treasure through YOUR eyes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”