What if there were two kinds of treasures?
What if there were short term treasures and long term treasures — but most people were only conciously aware of the short term treasures (because that’s what they were taught to chase)?
What if they fought over and chased and grumbled about not having as much of the short term treasures — while not realizing that the only way they ever got the short term treasures was when their enemies actually convinced them into trading away some of their more valuable treasures?
What if the whole way that our “enemies” marketed life to us was in convincing us that we need their short term treasures — and in selling us on the idea that they are better off because they have those things piled up?
But what if we were truly the rich ones, and they were truly poor, but they just learned how to try and convince us otherwise?
What if one of the greatest treasures was to be broke and not be able to help others or even help yourself —
So that you had to realize your complete dependence upon God —
And that even though everyone else is also still dependent upon God, you realize it and appreciate it, even while they don’t?
What if that was the greater blessing than a fat belly, a fat bank account, and a house full of expensive things that will eventually be worthless?
What if one of the greatest blessings was to lose someone truly dear to you so that you mourned and grieved strongly —
So that even while you questioned God in your pain from their absence from your life, you realized how amazing it was to have disturbed love so fully, and you had to genuinely thank Him for their part in your life —
And realize that God is able to comfort us in those hard times?
What if the greater blessing is to learn about love, the precious and unique nature of life itself, the value and unpredictable nature of time, and the faithfulness of God who holds it all in His hand?
When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat. “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
Matthew 5:1-12 MSG
Harold J. Ballinger 