Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
After much consideration and prayer, we have decided to move back to the US in May. And just as we have done during each of the past 5 transitions we have undertaken since starting this missionary journey almost 4 years ago, we are going to have to get rid of "treasures". Things we acquired, either new or used, because they caught our eye, we "needed" them, or we just wanted them. It makes a person begin to evaluate what is important, what really matters. As in the last 5 transitions (ok, moves), it is also a time to look at the heart.
I am a bit of a tech geek. With the amazing joys of the internet, I can buy techie stuff from my desk in Peru, have it shipped to my folks in Fresno, and then get it here with the next available "transporter" or visitor coming this direction. Over the past 2+ years, this included a wifi camera to see who was at the front door in Piura, a 10" Android tablet that I don't use much anymore, a PogoPlug networking hub (which never really worked here), cameras, cell phones, misc. connection cables, an LG Smart TV adapter (which also seemed to never fully work outside the US), a solar-panel charger (because I thought I would need it...somewhere along this desert coastline....or something like that), a networking hub (which I thought would make it easier to print wirelessly, but didn't work either), and so, so much more.
And that is just the techie stuff. The coffee table I adapted to hold all those precious shells we found at each beach, and some fossils too. The kid's toys and swimming pool. The potted plants that we had hoped would include a crop of maracuya fruit at some point. The fishing poles from Todd and Gene. The camping stove, tent, and sleeping bags for that unknown trip to that unknown place somewhere in the Andes, someday. The plates your wife likes. The non-stick pans I like. The fold-up canvas chairs that Melissa finally bought me. The gas bbq that I waited to buy cause they are built in the States and really, crazy expensive here. The tools the kids bought me for birthdays and Father'd Day. And....the dog (ok, he might come with us if we can fit him on the plane).
It is hard to think about, once again, getting rid of these treasures. We have done it so many times now, and to be honest, I am kind of tired of it. Guess in some ways that is the life of a missionary often. Even with furloughs every few years, there is often a need to move. But also, it seems it is, once again, a way for God to purify my character, to show me where my "treasure" lies. And once again, I must accept and admit, that, in so many ways, it lies with these earthly treasures we have acquired in Peru.
And yet, yesterday I was blessed with a visitor from Piura. Pastor Saul, the new president of the national Peruvian MB conference and lead pastor for a group of 4 rural churches. As we shared our hearts, spent time together, and went through a box of my earthly treasures I wanted him to have, we experienced some of what Matthew 6 talks about I think. Storing up those heavenly treasures. Time spent together, talking about the Word, trying to understand it together, dreaming of expanding the Kingdom, sharing joys, struggles, sickness, and life in our families. And a good chance to readjust my understanding of "treasures".
As we pack up to leave Peru the 1st of May, we are going to be selling some of our earthly treasures. Once again, probably for a whole lot less than what we paid for them. I am tempted sometimes to do what my fellow Kingdom-builder Jose did, and just give it all away. In some ways, that seems easier. Maybe we will do that with some of it, like we did yesterday with Saul.
And probably every little item will challenge my understanding and desire to follow what is found in these verses in Matthew.
In transition and reviewing/thinking about my treasures,
Lowell
