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Store Up Your Treasure!

An enterprising couple purchased an early Victorian home filled with antiques.

One of them was a neglected old piano in the parlor. Still stately, its ancient ivories had been played by many talented hands. Now it sat neglected, and silent. Only when the couple began to clear the clutter in the parlor did they become interested. They swept away the dust and lifted open its heavy lid, striking a couple of keys. The ivories remained mute, seemingly frozen by time. No matter which key they played, the old piano's sounding-board remained silent. There was no music.

Curious, they lifted the piano cover to examine the strings. To their amazement, they discovered that it had become a hiding place. Bundles of cash had been stuffed years before between its strings—tens of thousands of dollars hidden in that old piano—a lot of money, indeed! But the real treasure, the music itself, had been silenced.

Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34). When our hearts are focused on earthly treasures, they distract us from what He has called us to do. We are conflicted over what's important, and our true gifts are lost to God's work.

There's no question we've been given precious treasures as followers of the King . . . even beyond the future glories of heaven. We are all given the common graces of time, talent, and finance. But genuine blessing comes when our treasures are used for Him.

In Matthew 25, Jesus told the story of a landlord who turns money over to three of his employees. He invested in them, so they in turn could see an appreciation in their shares to increase his original investment. The first two men take a risk and double it. The third man, however, hides his, afraid he will lose it. And in a way, he does. The hidden share brings no praise, just recrimination. Jesus shows us that there is no joy in what we do not use. We are to faithfully invest everything that He has given us.

Are you hiding your treasure? Are you keeping your gifts closeted in the hidden depths of your soul? Your treasure consists of talents and, certainly, your time. It could also be your finances. Jesus calls us to use what we have been given for His service! Can you sing? Belt it out in a choir for Him. Are you healthy and strong? Use your abounding energy to serve as a team player in a ministry. Have you been blessed with financial means? Invest prayerfully in institutions you can trust—and in people you can help.

“Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.”

Hey friend, if you invest the treasures that God has given, you are eternally rich indeed!