As men we have a tendency to work for recognition. We take such pride in the things we work for as symbols and testament of our identity. We assign more value to things which don’t deserve the value placed on them. It’s good to be acknowledged for hard work but it’s not good for us to assign our identity to things of little value.
A few years ago I was discussing accolades and accomplishments with a mentor. I asked him how many awards he had accumulated over the years of his career. “Hundreds” he answered. To which I asked, “Where are they all now”? “In the closet” he replied. Then I asked, “What do think about or how often do you reflect on these?”. He replied, “Every once in a while I like to look back and remember what I accomplished and how so few have done what I did”.
Without realizing this man had build a shrine to his efforts and an attempt at validating his value in the world. What’s more, the sacrifices he made to achieve this success resulted in three broken marriages, children that don’t speak to him and crushing debt. The hard reality of his life was investing into things which he thought whorl affirm his value as a man. A hard reality to swallow.
Matthew 6:19 reminds us not to store up treasures on earth. Matthew 6:21 revealed itself to this man. His heart had been locked up in a closet very much like the one for his trophies. He limited access to his family, friends and loved ones. He had stored up the wrong things. All he had were memories of things regretted and things of no value to him now.
Encouragement:
Jesus has already set the example for us on what we should work towards to have a fulfilling life now and through eternity. Luke 12:31
Challenge:
What treasures are you storing you and where?
How will you start investing in kingdom treasure storage today?
