Initially, we only knew her as the owner of a local antique shop we loved to frequent. Other vendors had booths in her store, but she and her husband hosted the most. Her prices were unreasonable, and we rarely purchased anything from either of them even when it was on sale.
Our resistance to paying her price solidified after attending auctions with her. What she paid for items versus what she sold them for differed by as much as one hundred percent or more. We watched her items sit, collect dust and rust because they were overpriced.
Not only was her store full of treasured items, but so was her house and several outside buildings. Furniture was stacked, crammed and suspended. Yet she continued to buy more “treasures,” smiling all the while.
Loving and enjoying a business, hobby or possession is one thing; being obsessed with it is another. Jesus knew this and warned, For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Luke 12:34).
I’ve struggled with prioritizing possessions as well. Since I too love antiques like my eccentric acquaintance, I must constantly caution myself lest my heart get tied up with them and I forget more pertinent matters.
A more familiar word for heart is passion. We’re passionate about what’s most important to us, but we can easily make gods out of innocent things. When this happens, the treasure transforms into trash and our passion becomes lust and greed. Both steal our focus from pursuits that take us closer to God and others. Is your heart in the right place?
Prayer: Sweet Lord, keep our focus on You and things glorifying Your name.
This is so true and often something that I need to be reminded. Thanks
ReplyDeleteReally true.
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