Last Sunday, the Pastor shared a story that fits in perfectly with what we’re talking about here. My short version of the story goes something like this:
There was a very wealthy man whose time had come for him to leave this life. When Saint Peter came to take him to Heaven, the man asked if he could take a portion of his riches with him. St. Peter said it was not allowed, but the man pleaded with him, so Saint Peter asked the higher-ups if they would make an exception. They said yes. So, off the man went to Heaven carrying a very heavy satchel. At the Pearly Gates, he was asked to open his bag for inspection. When the gatekeeper looked inside, he began laughing. The man was puzzled and a little offended. He said he’d worked his whole life to obtain these gold bars. The gatekeeper explained that while on Earth, these pieces of gold are called treasure, in Heaven, they’re called pavers.
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
Revelation 21:21 ESV
Yesterday, I shared 1 Timothy 6:9-10, saving the beginning of the passage for today to go along with the streets of gold story.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:6-10 NKJV
If we want to bask in true Earthly wealth, all we need to do is open our eyes. We are surrounded by treasure. This world is God’s creation, which He made perfect for His image-bearers. It’s a mess right now, but that’s our own doing. Even as sinners, God loves us and blesses us. His gift was the greatest gift a Father could give a child.
Yesterday, I watched a home movie. It was Christmas day and everyone was opening their presents, spending a brief moment to oo and ah before tearing into the next gift. My niece was just a year old at the time, and even though her mom tried to help her with her presents, my niece was delighted with a small piece of wrapping paper. She examined it, held it as if it was the prize. There’s a lesson in there somewhere.
Father, may we seek only that which You want us to discover. May our focus be on You alone. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.