Friday, May 16, 2014

By: Gwen Hitt

 

 

Part Two: Our Relationships ARE Our Greatest Treasure 

 

Matthew 6:19-20  Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

 

 

Yesterday's devotion focused on the importance of storing up heavenly treasures rather than accumulating earthly treasures (STUFF) that lack eternal value. My inspiration for that devotion was twofold.  

 

First of all, I am currently realizing as we are emptying our home of thirty years how much of the stuff that we acquired has lost its value over the years.  My husband has finally admitted that the VERY OLD stereo and computer equipment that he couldn't bring himself to throw out actually has NO value and should have been disposed of years ago.  

 

The unexpected death of a person that I truly admired and respected was the second reason that I was inspired to write yesterday's devotion.  Dr. Rodney Lafon, former teacher, administrator, and Superintendent of St. Charles Parish Public Schools, was an individual who focused almost exclusively on building relationships throughout his lifetime ... putting the needs of others before his own.  

 

As I reflected on Dr. Lafon's life, the words of Ray Boltz' song, Thank You, came to mind.  In this song, a person who went to Heaven was reunited with those he had helped during his lifetime.  The individuals whose lives had been touched by this person shared the things that he had done for them ... things that impacted their lives.  

 

The ending lyrics of the song truly encapsulate the importance of living our lives in the way that Jesus is encouraging us to do in today's scripture, the way that Dr. Lafon lived his life:  

 

And I know that up in heaven

You're not supposed to cry

But I am almost sure

There were tears in your eyes

As Jesus took your hand

And you stood before the Lord

He said, my child look around you for GREAT IS YOUR REWARD!

 

My challenge to you today is to choose relationships over material things, over STUFF.   I am certain that the thousands of students, parents, and school employees whose lives were enriched by Dr. Lafon are not talking about the salary he made, the house he lived in, the car he drove.  Rather, I believe that they are remembering how he assisted them with a personal situation, how he stopped to engage in a conversation with them, how he took the time to rub their shoulders... Always remember that we can't bring our THINGS to Heaven, but our RELATIONSHIPS will definitely accompany us!

 

Dear Lord, Help me to never put the acquisition of material goods ahead of the cultivation of relationships. My desire is to touch the lives of others ... to have them experience You in my words, my actions.  

 

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

 

Reflection:  Have you allowed material things to hinder relationship building in your life?