In 1536, as many Spanish adventurers were seeking gold in North America, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca met with King Charles of Spain. De Vaca had been the treasurer of an expedition that had disappeared in Florida. Historian David Ewing Duncan recounts that, when he met with Charles, de Vaca gave the king a private report, “telling him about certain ‘secrets’ he told no one else.”“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. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21 NLT
Soon rumors began to spread that de Vaca had seen emeralds and gold in Florida. This sparked a “frenzy of speculation.” Many people, including Hernando de Soto, were inspired to give up everything to search for these fabled riches.
However, their efforts proved fruitless. No gold was found. But, in the process of their quest, countless lives were ruined.
How many people today base their lives on this kind of quest for riches! Most of these efforts fail. But even those who are able to find worldly wealth eventually discover that these earthly treasures do not last. And they realize that much of their effort is just “chasing the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).
Today, make sure you are investing your time, talent, and treasure in things that will last. Do not be consumed with the power, riches, and rewards of this earth. Lay up your treasures in Heaven, and Sow Seeds into God’s Kingdom. The Harvest He gives will yield far more than any investment you could ever receive here on earth! And you also will Reap an eternal reward!
Determine today that you will Sow generously into God’s Kingdom. His Kingdom will last forever, and so will your investment!
God Bless You!Prayer
Father, I lay before You the possessions You have given me. I dedicate all of these things to You. I will invest my time, talent, and treasure into Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Extended Reading
Matthew 6
