By Derek Maul
When bad guys steal your stuff you have to reconsider what is important.
When the world presses in, it can be difficult to walk with Jesus, and difficult to live “kingdom lives” when reality stands in direct opposition to Christ’s invitation to live in his kind of peace.
I suspect that’s why Jesus was so uninterested in material possessions, and dismissed what we value as stuff, “moth and rust consume and thieves break in and steal…” (Matthew 6:19-21).
I had the following conversation with a friend after the financial free fall of 2008-2009:
“Our investments have been hit hard,” she said.
“That’s sad,” I said. “We didn’t lose a dime!”
“What’s your secret?” she wanted to know.
“Easy-peasy,” I replied. “You can’t lose when you don’t have anything to begin with!”
Then last week some thieves broke in and stole, and now I’m all too conscious that our stuff is temporary and perishable.
We live in a broken world where bad stuff happens, and sometimes it catches us off guard. Our faith has to be strong enough that we bring grace along with us, rather than the brokenness having its way, and weakening our relationship to God and our commitment to carry the Kingdom with us.
I am resolved to do what I can to deal with the fact that someone stole money from our bank account… but at the same time to remember the more important truth that the treasure that is God’s peace, God’s presence, and God’s purpose is never threatened by rust, moths, or thieves.
Today I’m considering the lilies in my field, and I’m thanking God for all the amazing blessings of a life rooted in grace, mercy, promise, and love…. And I’m taking the prudent steps necessary to hopefully recover our losses and be more secure in the future.
My treasure is my life as a disciple of Jesus, lived confidently with my family, and encouraged by the wonderful community of faith where we worship.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
