Lesson 17: Storing Up What Lasts
In a world obsessed with accumulating more, Jesus offers a radically different path in the Sermon on the Mount. He challenges us to examine where our true treasure lies. Is it in fleeting earthly possessions, vulnerable to decay and theft? Or is it in the enduring riches of heaven?
Leo Tolstoy's short story, "How Much Land Does a Man Need?", powerfully illustrates this point. A peasant farmer, driven by the desire for more land, ultimately loses everything, including his life. In the end, all he truly needs is enough land to be buried in. Tolstoy's tale serves as a stark reminder of how the pursuit of wealth can consume us, leading to our ruin.
Jesus teaches that "the eye is the lamp of the body." If our gaze is fixed on materialism, we walk in spiritual darkness. Greed blinds us, clouding our vision and hindering our ability to see God's truth. We cannot serve two masters. We must choose: will we serve God, or will we serve money? Money can easily become a false idol, diverting our devotion from the One who deserves it.
So, how do we ensure we're serving the right master?
Cultivate a pure heart, recognizing that when God holds our treasure, He also holds our heart.
Keep our eyes clear, focusing on Jesus.
Live generously, using our resources to meet the needs of others.
Earthly treasures are temporary and insecure. Instead, let us store up heavenly treasures that last forever. As J. Paul Getty wisely observed, "Money is like manure; if you stack it up, it stinks, but if you spread it around, it makes things grow." Choose to invest in the Kingdom of God, and you will reap an eternal reward.
Questions for Discussion
Where do you see the "obsession with accumulating more" playing out in our world today? How does it affect individuals and society as a whole?
What are some examples of "fleeting earthly possessions" that people often prioritize over more lasting values?
Tolstoy's story illustrates the dangers of unchecked ambition. Have you witnessed similar situations where the pursuit of wealth or possessions led to negative consequences?
How does the concept of "spiritual darkness" relate to materialism? How can greed blind us to God's truth?
What does it mean to "serve two masters"? How can money become a "false idol" in our lives?
What practical steps can we take to "cultivate a pure heart" and ensure that God, not money, holds our treasure?
How can we "keep our eyes clear, focusing on Jesus" in a world filled with distractions and temptations?
What does it mean to "live generously"? How can we use our resources to meet the needs of others and invest in the Kingdom of God?
The passage contrasts earthly treasures with heavenly treasures. What are some examples of each? Why are heavenly treasures considered more valuable?
How does the J. Paul Getty quote about money as manure relate to the overall message of the passage? What are the implications of "stacking it up" versus "spreading it around"?