Learning to focus on things that matter

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt. — Matthew 6:19

It seems that as soon as Thanksgiving Day is over in the US, Americans immediately turn their attention to things. Not just specific things, but almost anything and everything that they can spend money on. They look for toys, cars, clothes, and anything else that may be a personal desire or a potential gift for someone as we approach Christmas.

It is almost as if everyone becomes obsessed with the latest gadgets, gizmos, and items that can be bought. While it is always nice to give or receive a gift, the focus is completely on the things of this world. The verses here in Matthew remind us that the things of this world will one day corrupt.

That is certainly easy to see in our day. We buy something and it seems to last only a short time. That new car will only last a few years before it needs repair. That new computer will also just last a few years. For other items, like cell phones or small toys, they will quickly become last year’s toy in just a few short months. Nothing in this world lasts forever.

But for the Christian, we can turn our attention to things that do last. While we see all those about us going crazy over the latest things, we can be focused on the most important thing. Rather than being consumed with the things of this world, we can become consumed with our love of God and our commitment to His work. The things of this world may last only a short time, but the things of God last forever.