We visited a family friend recently. Under her garage sat a shiny, new sports car. I must admit, that thing looked fun. It’s sleek red color looked like a mirror. You could see your reflection in it. As cool as it was, and believe me, it was; one day it will be old. The paint will dull, the wheels won’t be as dazzling and it will be a thing of the past. Hard to believe, but true. Things in this world aren’t meant to last forever.
Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:20 NLT). God is giving us specific instructions here. He knows there’s things in this world that we will treasure. The true “treasures” are imperishable. They are family, friends and our relationship with Him. These are the eternal things with true value. The enemy tries to entice us into focusing our energy on stuff that just ultimately doesn’t matter – our worldly status, material possessions, and trying to make people happy that can’t be pleased. These are “things” that will suck the life out of us, and end up completely nowhere. But oh how the enemy will dangle the carrot in front of us, hoping we will take the bait. This will stall our spiritual growth and further The Lord’s plans in no way whatsoever. Don’t take the bait! Stay focused on eternal treasure.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8 NLT). This is great news! He NEVER ages. He never goes away and He never changes His mind! This is the One we should be pursuing. He holds time and life in His Hands! These are eternal. He’s the comforting beacon bringing wayward ships to shore. His light is gleaming for all the world to see. It shines brighter than the sun. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it (John 1:5 NLT). Never!! It doesn’t matter how tough life gets or what the enemy throws your way. God’s light shines brighter!! Everything has to take a knee at the Name of Jesus!
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning (Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT). Who or what else has the power to make things new every day? Only The Lord! His mercies for you start over every day. He never runs out! Yesterday’s trouble is already covered. Today, you get brand new mercy for today’s troubles. Tomorrow will have its own mercies. This is how God shines greater than anything else we could ever desire. Well meaning people love to help in time of need. But even they grow weary trying to hold themselves together while trying to keep you afloat too. God never tires of anything you bring His way. God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble (Psalms 46:1 NLT). His stamina never stops. He desires for His children to come to Him with everything. He wants to be involved with every detail of our lives. This keeps us in constant contact with Him.
Jesus wants our relationship with Him to shine for others to see. He wants the world to notice something “different” about you – different in a good way. Something that looks so enticing that they would be drawn to you. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT). So go ahead and shine for Jesus! The world is looking for The Church to be The Church. Everyone could use a little of the light shining in you. The Lord put it there for just this reason.
As I age, I notice that the things that used to bring me temporary pleasure just don’t do it anymore. They truly were “things”. Now, relationships with others, quality time with family and learning more about who I am in Christ brings me comfort and lasting joy. I was always looking for the “shiny” object or experience to fill the void that this world traps us with. I never found it until I started getting to know The One who makes the things that shine.
Today’s guest writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.
