The most popular book written so far this century is Pastor Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Drive Life published in 2002. During the month of September and October we are once again reading that great book – many of us for the second, third or fourth times – as a book study Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. If you have not read it, I would strongly urge you to do so. It will change your life forever! (You may pick-up a copy at the church office.)
In that great book the author reminds us that “Life on earth is a temporary assignment.” He explains: “To make the best use of your life, you must never forget two truths: First, compared with eternity life is extremely brief. Second, earth is only a temporary residence. You won’t be here long, so don’t get too attached….Your identity is in eternity, and your homeland is heaven.”
If that is true, and I believe with all my heart that it is true, then we can begin to understand when Jesus said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21, NIV).
So where are you storing up your treasures? And how do you store up treasures in heaven?
If you are storing up your treasures on earth, keep in mind, that your life on this planet is temporary, and that you cannot take these earthly treasures with you to heaven.
Storing up treasurers in heaven can be done in several ways, just like storing them up on earth. We store up treasures in heaven by giving back to God what is already His in the first place. Life is a gift from God that can be taken away at any time. All our treasures on earth are gifts from God. We can use up those gifts on earth, or we can give them back to God so that they can be stored in heaven.
I don’t know about you, but I would like a big bank account when I get to heaven.
If storing up treasures in heaven is giving earthly treasures back to God, how do we do that? I believe that the number one way we give back to God is through our church – we give our gifts and tithes, we give of our time and energy, and we give through our worship .
During the month of October at Community UMC we are going to be discussing several ways in which we can begin to store up treasures in heaven. Remember one easy way is to attend worship and give God your praise and gratitude for all that He has given you.
Why not make October 2011 the month you have perfect attendance in worship?
Another easy way we can begin to store up treasures in heaven is through our giving each Sunday. I would encourage you during the month of October to pray several times asking God to show you how you might tithe next year. Allow God to stretch you, to challenge your thinking and faith, to show you how tithing is not only possible, but a great way to build up treasures in heaven.
I look forward to seeing you in worship, in fellowship, in service and in witness.
Remember always, God loves you and I love you.
Love Pastor Brian
