Two Kinds of Treasure

Bible Reading: Luke 12:16-21

“There they go!” Gabby pointed at the plane taking off. Mr. and Mrs. Bell were missionaries in Africa and had been visiting Gabby’s family for a week. “Mr. and Mrs. Bell work awfully hard, don’t they?” Gabby said.

“Yes, they do,” Dad said, “but as Mr. Bell told me, it’s worth it because many people are coming to know Jesus.”

As Gabby and her family headed back toward town, they passed a large, impressive home where many cars had pulled off the road and lots of people were milling around. “Looks like an estate sale is going on here,” said Mom.

“Yeah! Let’s stop and see what they’re selling,” Gabby suggested.

“Okay,” said Dad. He parked the car, and they went in to look around. They learned it was the home of a very wealthy woman who had recently died, and her family was selling everything and dividing the estate.

“There are some lovely things here,” Mom said as they moved through the rooms, “but even though they’re used, most of them are still too expensive for our budget!”

When they were once again on their way, Dad spoke up. “We’ve seen quite a contrast today, haven’t we? The person who lived at that house had many earthly possessions. Mr. and Mrs. Bell, on the other hand, don’t have much at all, but they’re faithfully serving Jesus and telling others about Him. Two different ways to live, and two kinds of treasure.”

“Was that lady a Christian?” Gabby asked.

“We don’t know,” said Mom, “but we do know that all the riches and lovely things she had are of no use to her now. But if she trusted in Jesus, she’ll get to be with Him in heaven forever!”

“That’s why the kind of treasure we seek is so important,” said Dad. “Money and nice things can provide many comforts here on earth, but they can’t do anything for us after we die. Only the treasure found in Jesus lasts for all eternity.”

Mom nodded. “That’s why Mr. and Mrs. Bell are missionaries in Africa. They know they have the greatest treasure of all and want others to know about Him too.” – Jan Hansen

How About You?

Do you hope to have a lot of money someday? Money can buy nice things for you to enjoy here on earth, and it can also be used to do good things and help people. But you’ll be truly poor if possessions and money are all you have when you’re called to stand before God. Jesus is the only treasure that lasts forever. Put your trust in Him. (To learn more, click the “Good News!” button in the right column of this page.)

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 16:26 It is worth nothing for you to have the whole world if you yourself are lost. (ERV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Money and possessions won’t last