Treasures From the Past

   
 In Hebrews 12:1, we are told:  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...."  Never was I more aware of this than when I went through some boxes I had in a bedroom closet the other night.  I was looking diligently for some precious pictures of my father to share with friends and family on Facebook in honor of Father's Day.
What I came across blessed me to the core.
     Buried deep in the two boxes of pictures were items my mother had held on to throughout her life.  There was a beautiful baptismal certificate showing when my mother was presented for baptism.  I came across her confirmation picture and certificate as well as her Bible.  Then, I found my great, great grandfather's catechism book written in German for he came from Germany as a boy.  It was the Heidelberg Catechism that he had studied.  There it was for me to see.  My mother, her mother (my grandmother) and my father's great grandfather all had studied the same catechism and been raised in homes where it was taught and believed.  They are a part of this great crowd of witnesses who have gone on before.  How blessed I was as I looked at these treasures knowing that because they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ I will see them again in heaven when the Lord calls me home.
     As I have thought about this rich heritage, I am reminded that the Lord has called us to likewise pass on to our children and grandchildren the faith that was once delivered to us.  The greatest treasure we can give those we love is to tell them what we believe and why we believe it.  In the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord called upon families to teach their children the truths about Him.  Deuteronomy 11:19 tells us:  "You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."  This covers nearly the entire day, but what riches there are in God's Word and His laws.  God's admonition in these verses are for the church today not just for time past.
     Unfortunately, many today think of catechisms as old relics rather than viewing them as aids and summaries of important doctrine and beliefs in the Christian faith.  Certainly they do not replace the Bible which is our one true foundation for life and practice, but they add to our understanding.  However, it is important that instruction begins in the home and then, is augmented by the church.  This is how we pass on the truth about Jesus Christ by instruction and living it before them.
     When it comes to acting on our faith, we are further instructed in Hebrews 12:1 to throw off everything which hinders us and the sin that can entangle us.  We are told to persevere.  In the second verse of the chapter, we are likewise instructed to keep our eyes on Jesus and follow His example of selfless love.  This is how we can leave a legacy for our children.
      As my mother was taught the Heidelberg Catechism in her home, so she assisted me in learning the Westminster Catechism.  Little did I realize in my teen years what a great treasure had been passed on to me.  Now, I can look back in joy knowing their lives are hidden with Christ in heaven.  What legacy will you leave your children?  Will they look through your papers one day and find you faithful to the call of Christ in your life?  I pray for all who are reading this that we may rise to the occasion and teach our children the truth of God's Word for His glory and their salvation.   Selah!
     

Who Are You Doing it For?

West Baden Springs, Indiana Hotel and Resort grounds

     Each week in our Sunday School class as we unpack another portion of "The Sermon on the Mount", I find myself more humbled before the Lord than the week before.  Our series by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones has taken us on a long journey, but his teaching on this portion of Scripture has opened up our eyes to new understanding and application.
     Yesterday, for example, we studied three verses in Matthew 6:19-21:  "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  I have always loved this passage but never really examined the depth of the Lord's meaning.  What are our treasures?
     In his book, Dr. Jones writes that "treasures" do not necessarily mean just money.  Our treasures can consist of other possessions or relationships.  The problem comes when they become idols that displace our relationship with God.  This can include, a spouse, children, work, video games, a house or any number of material things.  Having nice possessions, a good home, and family are wonderful gifts, but are not to be worshipped.  It is our attitude towards these things which determines if we are storing up treasures in heaven or on earth.  Dr. Jones goes on to write that when we pursue personal piety, the enemy of our souls is looking for a place he can snare us.  Often it is our possessions (or lack of them) that can easily and quietly trip us up.
     During class, I shared my own personal experience in dealing with this issue. Over twenty years ago, I began writing devotions to encourage my friends who had survived polio as I have.  This expanded to include church members, our pastors and friends.  My love for God motivated me to do this, but I confess, there have been times when I wondered to my husband if it was helping anyone as I had little feedback.  In talking with fellow bloggers and writers, they often experience much the same thing.  However, when I get in the "poor me" frame of mind, my husband lovingly reminds me, "Who are you doing this for?  God or yourself."  He is right.  If I am writing for God's glory, I may or may not see the impact of my words in this lifetime.  On the other hand, if I am trying to impress people or call attention to myself in some way, then my motive is wrong.
     We are called to use our talents, gifts, wealth and time for the glory of God.  As we serve others in obedience to God, we will be laying up treasures in heaven.  After all, our possessions, family and homes are on loan to us by God's grace.  He has made us stewards of all that He owns.  The question is how are we using what God has given to us?  Are we building our kingdom here on earth so we can become popular, well-known, a celebrity of sorts?  Or are we laying up treasures in heaven by scattering the seeds which God has given to us?  We may not know the results of our seed sowing until the day we step into His presence, but He calls us to be content to sow.
     Dr. Jones concluded this portion of his scripture teaching by reminding us that the world looks very attractive.  It is easy to be lured by the song of the mermaids of money, power and success.  Yet these very goals are putting our treasures on the things of earth where moth and rust can corrupt and thieves can steal.  Therefore, we need to be prepared daily to do battle with this world system that wants so very much for us to fall away from our task of sowing to God's glory.  Whether we are a writer, photographer, artist, investor, politician, lawyer, doctor, teacher, pastor, or administrator (to name but a few), we must daily ask ourselves the question my husband posed to me, "Who are you doing it for?  Yourself or God?"  This question gets at our motives and helps us see where we are laying up our treasures.  May we be found faithful to do all for the glory of God for He alone is worthy of our best efforts in serving Him.  Selah!