By Robert J. Tamasy – Have you ever been on a treasure hunt? They come in a variety of forms. Some involve a crudely drawn treasure map like legendary pirates of centuries ago followed. An ‘X’ marked where their treasure had been hidden. Some treasure hunts are progressive, with ‘hunters’ guided by one clue that points to the next one. In some cases, the clues are cryptic – puzzles to solve before advancing to the next clue.
In one way or another, every one of us is engaged in a treasure hunt of sorts, but we are the ones who define what that treasure is. In the business and professional world, the treasure can be ever-increasing revenues and profits. Some regard their treasure as career success and more compensation.
Treasure for others consists of the pursuit of prestige and power. In many cases, the ‘treasure’ does not come with a map for finding it. In fact, it can be a moving target. For example, years ago an industrial magnate known for his vast wealth was asked, “How much is enough?” With a twinkle in his eye, he held his thumb and index finger slightly apart and responded, “Just a little bit more.”
If someone were to ask what your ‘treasure’ is, how would you answer? Perhaps you are not thinking of any of the things listed above. It could be your family, a personal possession like a car or house, or even achieving excellence in a hobby or pastime. Maybe you are not certain what it is.
Speaking to a large crowd of people, Jesus Christ offered a simple way for identifying what we treasure most in our lives. He said, “For where your heart is, there your treasure will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Stating this a slightly different way, whatever our passions are, whatever motivates each day, reveals what our treasure is.
As He was speaking, Jesus also warned, “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).
What are treasures moth and rust can destroy? Any of the material things we might cherish, like a car, a house, jewelry, clothing, and the many “toys” we can find to amuse us. Even philanthropists who donate huge sums and have their names put on hospitals, college buildings or sports arenas might find their names one day being removed when a larger donor comes along.
But what are the things that can be stored in heaven, ones that moth and rust cannot destroy? Ted DeMoss, a wise CBMC leader years ago, used to say, “The only two things that will last for eternity, the Word of God and people.” If that is true, then as we proceed through each day, running our businesses and performing our work responsibilities, we should never lose sight of seeking to advance the Word of God and have an eternal impact in the lives of people we encounter and with whom we work.
Missionary Jim Elliot, one of five missionaries killed in 1956 while trying to evangelize a primitive tribe in Ecuador, wrote in his journal, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” He knew for certain where his treasure was. It was not in success, fame or acclaim, but in faithfully serving his God. Years later, members of that tribe – the Aucas – became Christ followers.
© 2024. Robert J. Tamasy has written Marketplace Ambassadors: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, coauthored with Ken Johnson; and The Heart of Mentoring, coauthored with David A. Stoddard. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
- When you hear the word ‘treasure,’ what comes to your mind?
- If you have ever been on a treasure hunt, what was that experience like? Does it help to know in advance what exactly is the treasure you are trying to find?
- How would you describe what you treasure most in life? How does that influence how you go about each day, whether at work or in spending personal time?
- What do you think Jesus Christ meant when He told those who were listening to “lay up treasures in heaven”? In what ways can we to do that? Are you presently doing anything to lay up treasures in heaven? Explain your answer.
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages:
Proverbs 23:4; Matthew 6:25-34; 13:44-46; Luke 12:13-21,32-35; Romans 6:23
Challenge for This Week
Sometime this week might be a good time for a ‘treasure hunt’ – not looking for buried treasure but making an honest personal assessment of what are those things in your life that you treasure most.
Once you have done that, share your conclusions with a good friend, mentor or advisor, and invite them to offer their comments. They might want you to do the same for them.
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