Where is Your Treasure?

Neuschwanstein Castle

     When my husband and I take our walks, we often pass by a vacant lot where a pile of rotting roof trusses lay.  It is a testimony to dreams that never came true.  Who knows why the people never went ahead with their building project.  Perhaps there was a tragedy in the family, or lack of money.  Maybe there was an unexpected medical bill or health issue that came up which prevented any further progress.  One thing is certain, this pile of rotted timbers represents what happens in each of our lives at one time or another....broken dreams.

A portion of the castle at Heidelberg

     As we traveled in Europe, we saw many of the same sorts of things.  The castle of Neuschwanstein was never finished because King Ludwig II died mysteriously at the age of 42.  In Heidelberg, we saw the remnants of the castle there which time had slowly broken down.  Nothing lasts forever....not castles, not riches, nor even the plans to build a house.  There is only one thing which is eternal - the truth of God's Word.  Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" (Luke 21:33).
     Throughout life, there are times when we face broken dreams, heartaches and disappointments, but if we are believers in Jesus Christ, we have the consolation found in the Bible and in our relationship to Him.  He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5), and He also said that He would never lose not even one that was given into His care by the Father (John 6:37-40).  This is our security!  When all else in this life fails, we have an advocate...an attorney, if you will, that pleads our case before the Father.  He holds us in the hollow of His hand and daily intercedes for us.

A part of the Castle at Heidelberg

     This life is transient.  It is passing away and so are physical comforts we think we need.  King Ludwig could not take his castle with him when he died.  He left a beautiful place to visit, but he never had time to spend there and finish his work.  At the end of our lives, even if we accumulated all the toys we ever dreamed of, we would still have to leave them behind.  The key is not to invest ourselves in things but in the person of Jesus Christ our Lord.  He is worthy of our time, talents and energy in this life for we will spend eternity in His presence.  What we do to bring glory to our heavenly Father will stand the test of time.
     In His discussion of end times, Jesus gave these words of wisdom to His disciples:  "But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.  For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.  But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:34-38).

Remnants of a tower in Heidelberg

     Rather than focusing on the things we cannot have or did not get,  the boat we wanted, the car that was so good looking, the house that was big and beautiful, we need to direct our thoughts towards the Lord.  In Him, we will not be disappointed.  In Him, we have life, godliness and purpose.  Laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven where nothing can corrupt it brings far greater rewards and fewer broken dreams.
     Jesus said, "For where your treasure is there will your heart be also" (Luke 12:34).  If our treasure is in earthly things, we are bound to be disappointed.  However, if we sow to the glory of God, we will reap a harvest of joy one day.  Remember, the things of this world are temporary, but the things of God will last for eternity.  May we choose to invest our lives in Christ who will never disappoint us.  Selah!


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