I ain't leaving my stuff

We have had alot going on this week.  My father in law seems to be recovering and it appears he will be heading home soon. 

Despite that going on, a hurricane named Isaac wreaked havoc through Louisiana.  The destruction was substantial and families had to be moved and relocated.  The news stations covered the loss and damage often interviewing individuals. 

Many had to be rescued by boat and many at the last minute due to their refusal to believe that the hurricane would be severe, or they are just set in their ways and would not leave.  One TV station interviewed an older gentleman and asked why he was not willing to leave despite the threat of danger to life and property.  His response was "I ain't leaving my stuff."

He had worked all his life for what he had accumulated and he was not willing to give it up to a hurricane.  Unfortunately, we think much the same way of our material things.  We are not willing to turn our backs on the world to follow Jesus.  We strive to make a name for ourselves, live in the finest homes, drive in the most stylish cars, wear the best clothes and then don't want to give up that lifestyle.  Not there there is anything wrong with that at all, the problem is that we build our treasures here and don't work on building our treasures in heaven.

How many times have we shared the Word of God with others?  How many have we invited to church? How many have we dedicated time to?  Those are the thing that count because in the end, you can't take all that other "stuff" with you.  You won't see your fine home or your stylish car or your best close...but you could see someone you invested time in, some you planted the seed in, someone you took time to minister.

So when the time comes, leave the stuff behind and put your time and efforts in the kingdom because I promise you, God has enough to replace all our stuff....and then some.

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.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:19-21