I watched in amazement as the news reports showed home after home burnt to the ground in the Colorado Springs area fire that has destroyed some 500 homes, some of them multi-million dollar estates.  The Black Forest fire is considered to be the most destructive in Colorado history.  Then there were the heart-wrenching scenes of families returning to their once beautiful homes now lying in nothing but ashes.  Many of these folks lost everything; the fires moving so rapidly that they had no time to even save personal family items and heirlooms, barely escaping with their lives.

One gentleman was being interviewed upon his return, and in tears he told the reporter: “I’ve worked all my life for this and within a minute everything I possess is completely gone!”  I cannot imagine what it must be like to lose your home and all your possessions to a fire, tornado, or any other disaster.  It surely is a devastating and helpless feeling to have your life turned upside down in a moment.

As I listened to the news reports and the interviews, it got me to thinking again about where I put my priorities; where my treasures are.  These kinds of disasters that take our possessions and even our lives are always reminders that this life is so very fragile and that we must loosely hold to things material and cling closely to the only true Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who give us a sure hope of heaven and eternal life.

In light of these things I’m reminded of some Bible truths that remind us of how we are to look at material things.  Paul wrote, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” 1 Tim 6:6-7

It may be that he was echoing Job’s cry, “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”  Job 1:20-21

God gives us richly all things to enjoy.  There’s nothing wrong with possessing things; we are to enjoy them and rejoice in God’s goodness to us (Eccl. 5:19).  But we must also  remember that as quickly as God gives them, He can take them away. I love my 103 yr old house and many of the items that fill it; but I’m not planning on taking any of it with me–I don’t believe I’ll be needing it when gathered with all believers of all ages around the throne of our Glorious God!

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matt 6:19-21

Life is so very temporary.  We must live for God through the saving knowledge of Christ and thus live for things eternal.  We must lay up treasure in heaven indeed!

This world is not my home I’m just a passing through
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore