Sandy Dennis

We recently went to see the historic site of Olano. It was the home of artist Federick Churchill who lived many years ago. When we entered the gate leading to his home, there was a sign with this quote from the artist: About an hour this side of Albany is the center of the world—and I own it.

His words struck a chord in me. Because, no, he did not own it. In actuality it was just on loan to him. He had played his part in the Play of Life and now that his life was over, all his props had to be returned to God, the Stage Master.

I remember when my son was little and we were at a studio having his picture taken. The photographer gave him a small football to hold for the picture. After the picture was taken, my son didn’t want to relinquish his prop. He wanted the football “for keeps.”

On this earth, nothing is “for keeps” except what we do for God’s Kingdom. Paul says in the book of 1 Timothy to: Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasures for themselves (1 Timothy 6:18–19, NIV).

In Luke we read: Get for yourselves purses that will not wear out, the treasure in heaven that never runs out, where thieves can’t steal and moths can’t destroy (Luke 12:33–34, NCV)

Each day we’re either accumulating temporal props or eternal treasures. Don’t hold tightly to the things of this world. Remember they’re not “for keeps.”

Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. (Matthew 6:20–21, NLT)

He is not a fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. Jim Elliot

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us to fall more in love with You each day. Help us to obey Your Word and store up our treasures in heaven rather than on this earth where moths and rust can destroy it. May we seek Your Will and do good and become rich in good deeds. Help us to be generous and willing to share, knowing that every good thing we receive comes from You, and we are to steward it wisely and with integrity.