Things of this world

For the past few weeks, my husband and I have been trying to clean house... clean up and get rid of the things that we don't want or need... It's funny, because when I first moved my things after the wedding, there wasn't that much, or so it seemed.
Now looking at how much stuff we actually do have, I am overwhelmed with the feeling that I don't need all this stuff... so as I took three bags of clothes and shoes (I cried a little parting with the shoes) to Goodwill, I was reminded of the of the scripture in Matthew 6:19-21 that says: 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.
Everything that we work so hard for here on earth will all break, get destroyed or wear out... but our true treasure is in heaven. Take a look at these lyrics by DC Talk... Things of this world are passin' away, Here tomorrow, but they're sure not here to stay. Things of this world are passin' away, So lay your treasure above And start to live for Him today.
I love the movie The Labyrinth from the 80's... it's the story of a girl (named Sarah, which I thought was so cool when I was younger), who wishes her baby step-brother, Toby, away to the King of the Goblins. She immediately regrets her decision and thus begins her journey through the labyrinth. She meets several new friends along the way, including a dwarf called Hoggle who is meant to double cross her and take her back to the beginning. The Goblin King hopes that if she gets set back to the start, she will give up. But she will not give up... The goblin King gives a peach to Hoggle, and when Sarah eats it, she forgets what it is she was coming for... at one point in the dream, she wakes up in a garbage heap and is helped to her room by a strange woman. While she is in her room, Sarah begins to see that all her "things" and precious treasures are junk and what really matters is getting her brother back. Needless to say, the spell is broken and she saves her brother.
It's not a bad thing to want something, but in this same verse, we are reminded that we want for nothing... God provides our needs (not our wants), but our needs... food, clothing, shelter, the basics. Money can't buy happiness, but seeking after God can be a journey of great hope, promise, and in the end, reward.
Verse 33 says: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Burlap to Cashmere is a band that I was introduced to during my first few years at college. After hearing the song, Basic Instructions, I bought the album and have been a fan ever since. There is a song on their album Is there anybody out there called, Treasures in Heaven and it's the inspiration for my blog this morning. I hope you enjoy and have a blessed Wednesday!