When we’re little, the size of the boxes under the tree on Christmas morning determine their value. Huge boxes mean that what’s inside is super exciting!! As we grow, we learn that sometimes more valuable gifts are found wrapped in the tiniest packages.
My reading this morning in Luke 12 got me thinking about value and packaging.
Our Value
First of all, it reminded me of our value in our Father’s eyes. In spite of the fact that we are but dust (Genesis 18:27), we are precious to him and He cares about us. We come in itty bitty packages, but we hold immeasurable value to our Creator, the One who holds everything together.
“He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains” (Psalm 95:4).
He knows all of the details of our lives, and more about us individually than we even know about ourselves.
“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7 NLT).
He knows what we’re thinking and feeling, and He knows what we’re going to say or do long before the idea even enters our minds.
“O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away” (Psalm 139:1-2).
Treasured
When something is valuable to us, we take care of it. The same goes for God–not only does He care about us, He cares for us!
“Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!” (Luke 12:24).
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need“ (Luke 12:27-31).
Our Treasure
We are valuable, treasured and cherished. In this truth we can find peace and rest, letting go of worry for earthly provision. In fact, Jesus tells us to not strive for wealth or an accumulation of things here in this life, but to sell what we do have in order to give to those in need!
“Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own” (Luke 12:15).
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God” (Luke 12:21).
“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it” (Luke 12:33).
The more years I have to look back on, the less I’m concerned with stuff. I actually love to get rid of things, but there are a few things I have trouble letting go of. But why? What real value do they hold? In light of eternity, absolutely none. I can’t take those things with me when I die, and my children probably don’t even want them!
Keeping our eyes on our heavenly reward helps us to see the temporal nature of all that we might gain here on earth, no matter how those things are packaged. Knowing Who holds us and cares for us can help us let go of the need to acquire things that won’t last and hold no eternal value. No matter how many things we own, none of them will keep us alive here when our day comes to go Home!
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Luke 12:34).
True treasure lies in “a rich relationship with God (Luke 12:21),” which will lead us to a way of life resulting in heavenly rewards. Storing up treasure for eternity instead of in this life is a much more significant goal to have, because we won’t lose what we gain.
My friend, I think it’s time we took stock of our treasuries! Are there things we’re holding onto just to say that we’ve got them, or for that one “just in case” day? How then shall we proceed?
If we’re trusting in what we hold, we’re not trusting in the One who holds us.
Photo by Caley Dimmock on Unsplash
Lauri Hawley 