Our Treasure

The community of faith where I pastor is getting ready for its annual fall Lord's Day Festival. I wish I could count the number of people who have been in my office worried that our current economic situation will seriously affect what will happen in a few short days. It seems that almost everyone is worried--some almost to the point of being paralyzed--about our nation's economic future.

Let me begin by saying one thing. I am well aware of what could happen. My parents lived through the Great Depression and I grew up hearing stories of how difficult the times were, especially for my mother's family. Even though I have not directly experienced that kind of poverty, I have experienced it vicariously through their stories. But I wonder if we haven't become so materialistic that the thought of having to cut back, prioritize, and do without is beyond our comprehension.

I have been thinking a lot about Jesus' discussion found in the gospel of Matthew where he challenges us to examine our desires and their place in our lives. (Matthew 6:19-34) Early in this discourse he says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21) These words of Jesus make me ask where my treasure is.

It is about faith, after all. I know that some are by nature frugal. I also know that many of us, myself included, have far too many things. We want the best food, the best clothes, the best houses, the nicest vehicles. We strive to keep up with our neighbors. We buy big screen TVs, king sized beds, the latest computers and we eat at the fanciest restaurants. Now, when we are told that our spend thrifty lives might change we panic because our treasure is found in our material goods.

I am not sure what to do about all this. I do know that my parents survived, and I suspect so will we today. What concerns me more are the millions who are already existing at a sub-poverty level. Perhaps instead of fretting, we should be trying to help. Perhaps instead of wringing our hands, we should be reaching out. Perhaps instead of holding on to our material things so tightly, we should be sharing with others. Jesus speaks to where we are now, and this is where we are. Is this his word for us today? It's just a thought.