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Treasures In Heaven
Brian Mashburn
June 28, 2015
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Treasures In Heaven
There is a reality show on CBS right now called "The Briefcase." Each episode, two struggling middle-class families agree to be on a documentary about money. Surprisingly, the cameras and a producer show up with a briefcase. In it is a free gift of $101,000 cash.
They are told that this gift comes with a choice. Over 72 hours, they must decide to keep all of it, or give some or all of it away to another needy family.
The two families do not know that the other is considering the same thing, and that the families they are considering is each other. The show is an emotional roller coaster that ends with the families meeting and finding this out, revealing to each other personally what they decided, and changing their decision is not allowed.
So far, in each episode, the families have decided to give at least some or all of their money away. Why? They all have debt. They all have needs. They all have kids. They all have dreams. What could they possibly be walking away with when then walk away from so much money?
This show is a great modern day parable of what Jesus means when he says to invest in things that moth and rust cannot destroy, and thieves cannot break in and steal. Jesus calls these, "treasures in heaven." (Mt 7:19-20)
Our church family is committed to spending your giving on these kinds of things: We're investing in souls, not luxurious possessions. We are trying to grow Christian character, not financial wealth. We are feeding the hungry, not our bank account.
When you give to the church, you are not only being faithful to God, you are participating in the care for and discipleship of thousands. Imagine how much we could do if every single member of the body practiced the tithe?