A few weeks ago, my car was stolen from the church parking lot while I worked inside, oblivious to the happenings just outside. Thankfully my car was quickly abandoned on a nearby side street, so I got it back with only the hubcaps missing. As I write this blog, just a few minutes ago, our youth minister, Joe, saw a man attempting to break into my car again. Now, my car is not much to look at; it’s 24 years old (168 in dog years) with lots of miles on it and an accelerating noise that either awakens or frightens the neighbors. I guess it’s just an easy car to steal, so maybe the thieves are hoping to find something valuable inside. The worst part about these incidents is the negative impact they have on my 10-year-old daughter, who scares easily and doesn’t really understand the fallen nature of humanity, of just how lousy we people can be.

 

My car is certainly no treasure, but my concern for keeping it reminds me of the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew chapter 6: ¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” I’m not ready to leave this earth because I still have kids to raise and important work to do. But I do long for the day when the only things that truly last will endure for all eternity. My car won’t be in heaven and even if it is, it will never be stolen. My daughter’s fears will fade away, sin will disappear, and evil will be destroyed. These are the real treasures and God will allow us to enjoy them forever.

 

Troy Burns