Living a Life That Matters

Written by: Laura Ketchum

Day 1: Treasures on Earth

Sometimes, life can feel like a competition. We feel the pull to get the best grades, get into the best college, find the best job, buy the biggest house, and marry the most enviable spouse. No matter how many goals we achieve, there’s always one more for us, waiting for us on the horizon.

Many things can drive this instinct to compete, like the fear of being left behind, the idea that you might be seen by others as “less than,” or the hope that filling your life with accolades could distract you from real pain. But in reality, where does this continual striving get us? Rather than filling us up, our quest for accomplishments often leaves us feeling stressed. And frustrated. And tired. And lonely.

And when everything’s said and done, what happens to the things we’ve spent our lives pursuing?

The same thing that happens to everyone else’s treasures at the end of their lives. We can’t take any of it with us.

The Bible recognized this hard truth. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus confronted the people of his time who would give generously, fast, and pray, not out of love for God and others, but in order to make a name for themselves. He told His followers, “Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth.” These “treasures” are accomplishments and accolades—the jobs, homes, relationships, and toys that are supposed to make us happy.

And let’s be honest: Sometimes, these things do make us happy, temporarily. Who doesn’t like the feeling of a new job promotion, or stepping foot inside a new home, or falling in love?

But none of these things will provide us with permanent, unwavering happiness.

Not only that, but everything we work so hard to accomplish is just as vulnerable to time’s wear and tear as we are. We spend our lives chasing goals, often compromising things we can never get back, only to be left unsatisfied, or worse, incomplete.

So, what do we put our hope in? Is there such a thing as a treasure that lasts, that provides us with a more enduring sense of joy and contentment? And if so, how do we find it?

As you reflect on today, consider the following questions:

Reflection: Think about a time when you accomplished something you had been working toward for a long time. How long did the happiness you felt over that accomplishment last? How long was it before you started working toward a new accomplishment? What other “treasures on earth” do you find yourself striving after?

Prayer: Father, sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up, chasing after the treasures the world tells me are important. But I know putting my hope in these things doesn’t provide lasting happiness. Would You help me see these temporary treasures for what they are, and show me how to pursue treasures that last? In Jesus’ name, amen.