For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Truer words never spoken. Jesus said these at the end of a teaching time about money and worry and barns and seeking the kingdom of God. I’m reminded how my heart constantly veers toward shiny treasures.

At the gym I meet old guys like me, working out just so we can eat another bowl of ice cream, but also younger guys working out with one eye on the mirror. They treasure those muscles. I treasure that ice cream.

Also at the gym at least one screen always runs shows featuring builders with cute personalities renovating old houses. Lots of us turn toward the lure of a beautiful home. Personally, I most treasure my garage.

This week movie-makers give out awards. I watched Billy Crystal host the Oscars once and he described the event as fabulously wealthy people giving one another golden statues (or something akin to that line). I don’t remember the crowd laughing much. Many people treasure those golden statues, both those hoping for one and those watching from afar. I give all that a pass these days.

Then the best event of this month and maybe the whole year—March Madness. 68 teams entered the tournament, treasuring a championship. Millions of fans filled out brackets and now follow their progress. Massive amounts of disappointment litter the month of March—only 1 team wins. But the hunt for treasure pulls us in.

These treasures (and loads of others) compete for my heart. Jesus, however, pointed out a higher way: Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

Treasure in heaven. So much better than muscles or garages or championships or golden statues.

Luke 12 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Ashin K Suresh