Where Your Treasure Is A s to r y about value judgments
B y A rthu r H . Townsend T his is a day when many are finding it difficult to make clear-cut value judgments. Science has made material things so real— so easy to obtain— that all else seems but a blurry dream. Our goal has become things and even for the Christian this material trend is difficult to escape. As a minister I think the most pitiful person is the Christian wrapped up in his own selfish desires. Here’s a letter I received that graphically illustrates this. "I am sorry that I am giving such a small donation to the Lord’s work. At this time o f year it is hard to save money. We recently paid out $3,000 for a new portable sawmill, then another $1,500 for a saw mill engine, and $500 for a house trailer. Too, there are men to pay $10 daily. We have bedding to buy; also tools, horse feed, and a thousand other things to purchase. "I recently travelled to visit my two daughters. The youngest girl’s husband is a taxi driver. Taxi drivers don’t make much so we helped them out and will continue to do so as much as possible. "My eldest daughter has bought an $8,000 home, and paid cash for it. They have also purchased a new Ford car, and other things, too. They have not saved much, either. "My daughter had an addition to the family in October— a lovely baby boy. Her friends had a baby shower for her before baby came. They gave her lovely things. She was so thrilled. My daughters are both well, and we are enjoying good health, too; but the expenses are heavy. So please excuse our small offering to the Lord’s work. I am sure you will understand.” His offering was 25 cents. Three thousand dollars for a portable sawmill. Fifteen hundred dollars for an engine. Five hundred dollars for a house trailer. A son- in-law supported partially because he doesn’t make enough money. Another daughter who has bought an $8,000 home . . . cash. A new car. All this— not including the trip— all for self, for the immediate family desires, and only 25 cents for the Lord. Little wonder Jesus said: "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” (Matt. 6 :19-21).
THE KING'S BUSINESS
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