Treasure

I saw a friend the other day. He was limping. "Oh, that looks painful. What is it?" "I hurt my ankle." "Too bad. How long ago?" "A month ago." "Really? Have you seen the doctor?" "No, no, it's minor, I'm sure. Costs too much to see a doctor." Now, this friend has good insurance and good income; it was not a case of insufficient funds. "Oh, I see," I replied. "You're fine with a permanent limp as long as you die with a few extra dollars in the bank." "Well," he answered, "yeah, I guess."

Generally speaking, "economics" is the management of limited resources. You have Y dollars on hand and Y x 2 dollars in bills; you need to decide where that Y will go. And the resources are not merely in terms of money. They would include all resources -- time, talent, effort, etc. We all engage in this form of "economics", where we weigh the "cost" (in terms of whatever resource we're considering) and decide if we'll spend it on "this" or on "that" since we can't do both. Limited resources.

Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt 6:21) Have you thought about that? It is easy to tell where your treasure lies (and, therefore, where your heart is) by observing your choices -- how you manage your resources. Does he buy cigarettes and beer before necessary medication? You know his priorities. Does she shop for clothing before she shops for food? You know her priorities. If "my reason" supersedes God's Word, you know your priorities. Do you decide to sleep later rather than get up early and spend time with God? Then you know your priorities. If it's just too much trouble to involve yourself in the lives of God's people at church, you know your priorities.

We all do it. Every day. What do your daily choices tell you about what you treasure? Is that what you intended?