Store up your Treasures in Heaven

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20 BSB

In a story titled “Marathoner Halts On Track, Saves Collapsed Runner’s Life” published Tuesday, it was reported that Vivak Kabra (50) clocked his worst-ever timing at Tata Mumbai Marathon on Sunday at over 5 hours 5 minutes. But he’s not disappointed that he stopped to help a man who had collapsed in front of him, sacrificing his 4 hour 20 minute goal to perform CPR for 15 minutes until the ambulance arrived. Thankfully the young man who had collapsed, and was only in his twenties, survived. Sadly though, Vivek said “I sought help from fellow runners, but there were some who just ran past and didn’t bother… ” He appealed to marathoners to show humanity and not bother about marathon records. “If you see a co-runner in distress, help him or her,” he said. “The satisfaction is immense, more than winning a marathon medal.”

And you know, when it comes to worthwhile pursuits, Vivak had his priorities in order when he showed that the satisfaction that came from helping another human being far surpassed the value of obtaining a marathon medal. You see, the Bible is very clear that the “treasures on earth” many people work hard to “store up” are fleeting and perishable. But the “treasures in heaven” we work to “store up,” namely the people who come to know Christ because of something we have said and/or done will never fade away or be destroyed. Which is the very reason we must set our hearts on other people rather than on our own pursuits. 

So knowing that we store up treasures in heaven by investing in people to get there, let us be ready to give up all this world has to offer my friend. After all, we brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that where our treasure is, our heart is there also. Lord, help us to display hearts set on You by the way we love the lost and those in need. Help us to sacrifice our wants and desires to fulfill the plan that You have for our lives, knowing that doing anything else would only leave us unsatisfied. We can’t be satisfied until we are satisfied in You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!