Heavenly treasures Vs. Earthly Possessions! Round 1! FIGHT!

Life is full of unexpectedness. Things that you do not plan on always end up popping up and surprising you when you least expect it, leaving you like a deer in the headlights of an oncoming semi about to be pancaked onto the concrete. We have all been here at one time or another whether it be a lay-off at your job or a loved one passing away. During these times it is important that we don't panic and freak out as the world would do in time of crisis. Psalm 23 says that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death that the Lord is with us and that he comforts us in our time of need. So why is it that when things start to get a little out of our control do we, even as Christians tend to let them get the best of us? The treasury of Heaven never runs out so why is it that we don't trust him with our finances? Is it so hard to believe that the maker of the universe can take care of a small trivial bill? Or help lower the stresses of the things that come with dealing with every day life? I believe that it is just the "America mentality" that we have that causes us to forget about the promises that we are entitled to through the kingdom of God. Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also." And then later on in Matthew 13:44 Jesus is telling a parable about treasures in heaven as well, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his JOY went and sold all he had and bought that field." So both these scriptures deal with the same subject but at the same time they are totally different from one another. The first one is pretty much stating that it is not wise to focus and strive for earthly things because they are only temporary they can easily be destroyed, stolen or we can lose interest in them and move on to the next big thing. But instead to focus on heavenly things that are eternal and everlasting not fading away. When you shift your attention off the things of this earth and towards the kingdom of God, you are showing God that your attention is on him and he will reward you not just when you go to be with him in heaven but also while you are living here on earth, which leads into the second verse. I believe that the two scriptures are connected, the second one following the first one. When you focus on heavenly things and start to live out your life how God wants you too then in turn heavenly treasures will begin manifesting themselves on earth. The man found the treasure "hidden" and then sold all he had so that he could have the place that the treasure was located. In other words he gave up all his earthly needs and possessions and put his trust and faith in the treasure that he found in the field. Now I am not saying that you need to quit your job and sit around the house all day playing x-box saying "I am okay, the Lord will provide for me. I don't need to work." This is not the way to go especially if you have a family to provide for. That is not living by faith it is simply being lazy and that is not acceptable. Proverbs 6:6-8 says, "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." Oh Snap, a little tiny ant has more worth then a sluggard (lazy butt). Enough said. I don't have enough time at this moment to finish up everything I want to say. So next time will get into a little bit more detail about these heavenly treasures and what they could possibly be and how they can make our lives a lot simpler. God bless!