July 9, 2005
In Store!
Laying by in store is something people do for various reasons. There are some who talk about saving for a rainy day, even establishing a “rainy day” fund. Some STORE UP for others as Paul encouraged the Corinthian brethren to put aside money on the first day of every week, STORING IT UP as they had been prospered ( 1 Corinthians 16:2); funds which were to be used to help needy saints in Jerusalem. ( 1 Corinthians 16:1) Then there are others who STORE UP for themselves, like the rich fool Jesus told the parable about. ( Luke 12:16-21)
Some people have placed their trust in their own wealth to their own destruction. (note Psalm 52:7 and Proverbs 11:28) Such is not what the heart is to be set upon. ( Psalm 62:10) Perhaps we have observed many good fiscal planners, but how many of these have neglected spiritual planning? It is actually wrath some are STORING UP ( Romans 2:5) due to a refusal to acknowledge and follow God’s Will.
How safe is that which we are STORING UP? Some people have gone to an account they had set aside only to be shocked to find their account had been drained by someone. All they had STORED UP was gone. What they STORED UP was not as safe as they thought.
Jesus pointed to the safest place to STORE UP the right treasure.
“(19) Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, (20) but LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES IN HEAVEN, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (21) For WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO.” ( Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)
Paul also exhorted…
“(17) As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to SET THEIR HOPES on the uncertainty of riches, but ON GOD, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. (18) They are to DO GOOD, to BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS, to BE GENEROUS and READY TO SHARE, (19) THUS STORING UP TREASURE FOR THEMSELVES AS A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” ( 1 Timothy 6:17-19)
Those who do not properly plan with regard to spiritual things now will find they have something dreadful in store for them. However, as we maintain a proper spiritual perspective in Christ we can be assured that the treasure we have STORED UP is safe with Him.
Have a great day RECOGNIZING THE GREAT RETURN IN TRUSTING CHRIST!
Carl
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