"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but, lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21
There is a quip concerning Bernard Madoff, the disgraced financier and ex-president of NASDAQ who scammed $50 billion from investors; the comedian said, "Why in the world would anyone trust someone with the name Made-Off!" Of course, it is humorous now that we think of it; however, I bet it's not funny to the thousands of people who were affected by his avarice. Let's be honest, there is no way one man could get away with scamming 50 billion US dollars without help. Although he is not giving up the names of his co-conspirators, there had to be others. It is impossible for one man to move that much money without the participation of others watching it happen.
Nonetheless, here's the interesting thing that happened. Some of the investors who truly believed in the prospect of making a profit on their investment, yet lost everything instead said, after the initial shock of losing their life savings, they are now appreciating the simpler things in life. The love of their families, their spouse, having a job, trees, ...the air they breathe. The prospect of taking life for granted and living for a retirement nest egg evaporated with their money. Most of us have heard people in similar circumstances say the same thing after losing all their belongings in a fire, theft, or natural disaster.
The issue is, the Bible speaks about this very thing in Matthew 6:19-21, “Lay up not for yourselves the treasures upon this earth….” Take the time to really understand the verse. It means you must take the time to enjoy the simpler things in life, tomorrow is not promised to you. Jesus said it best; Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself. Your life, God’s love, your love for God, your heart's desire, those you love, those who love you, acts of kindness, compassion, and love for your fellowman, are simple things we make complicated.
Love and be loved in return. —It really is just that simple. L.
Study Reference: Matthew 6:19-21
From: "The Simple Things." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: flickr
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