Treasure that Lasts

A man who owned a car dealership became better “known for the cars he kept than the ones he sold.” During his 5 decades running the dealership, he held on to select cars that customers traded in, and quite a few new models too, amassing a collection of more than 500 automobiles that he kept parked on a farm. Right before the man died in 2014, his collection sold by auction. The sale drew 25,000 people, was filmed for TV’s History channel, and raised $2.8 million (US). It’s obvious that the owner was really into collecting cars. Yet, when he died, he wasn’t able to take any of them with him.

When writing to Timothy, Paul warned him that amassing money and material wealth were unworthy goals in life. The apostle, probably referencing Job (Job 1:21), David (Psalm 49:17-18), and Solomon (Ecclesiastes 5:15), provided clear logic for his instruction: “After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it” (1 Timothy 6:7).

Paul wanted his protégé to know that a correct perspective on material possessions—money, houses, clothing, vehicles, jewels, and land—remained eternally the same: They don’t last forever, and you can’t take your possessions with you when death comes calling. Any wealth and possessions we have on earth are for this life only.

Instead of amassing material possessions, which are temporary in nature, let’s spend our limited time here on earth amassing the spiritual treasures: knowing God and His wisdom, knowing and obeying His Word, pursuing His rule in every aspect of our lives, and using what we have to bless others and to tell them about Jesus. As we rest in Him, we find treasure that lasts!

Taken from “Our Daily Journey”