Decay

JOHN HORSLEY

“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” (Mt 6:19-21). 

I feel the destructive forces of this world upon life vividly right now. Cancer in the family, washing machines rusting out, the interior basement ceiling destroyed because of a leak, an exterior roof leak causing more ceiling damage, trailer lights not working because of corrosion, light fixtures going bad, and a tractor with a broken tie rod. 

Frustratingly, even after fixing and repairing, I know the list will continue to grow. This world has a destructive force behind it, and if things are left unattended, they will eventually be destroyed. 

The world wasn’t always like that. When it was first created, God put his stamp on it and said it was good. Genesis 1 says, “’Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’ God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.” But the world changed when man rebelled against God’s perfect plan. Today we live in that fallen world. 

I used to complain and cry, “Why me Lord?” when things would break or fall apart. Today I see things a little differently. I know “these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor 13:13). God’s perspective moves me from concern about the things of this world to questions about what I treasure above all things. I love, believe, follow, and serve God with my whole being. I trust and hope in the promises he has given me and know with all that I am they will be fulfilled. I also love! Love is the greatest because it lasts forever and it requires relationships. 

I love my Mom and Dad (who have both passed to eternity). That love will never pass away because love remains. I love my wife more than anyone, except God. That love is eternal and will never pass away. The love for my children and grandchildren is also eternal and they will always be in my heart in this world and in eternity. 

I love fellowship with other people who love God. That love is also eternal and will not pass away. This love in my heart comes from abiding with the Holy Spirit and it brings a deep sense of awareness of my treasure. 

Yes, life goes on and things need fixed, but my treasure is not in things. My treasure is Jesus Christ, my Redeemer and my Lord. Jesus is my alpha and my omega, my beginning and my end. He is my bread of life, my living water, and my Immanuel (the God who is with me). He is my precious living stone, my wonderful counselor, and the lamb of God that was provided for me. Jesus is truly everything I need and the only one I need. He is the treasure in my heart and in heaven. 

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Phil 4:12).