Photo: some tokens of my past: my baby book
and infant dress, father's Bible, and century-old pitcher.
FAMILY TREASURES“But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” –Matthew 6:21
Maybe it’s an old rocker, quilt, set of dishes, a piece of jewelry, artwork, or wedding veil—but most families have some sort of “treasure” passed down through the generations. Sometimes we display our “family treasures”; sometimes we carefully pack them away, telling our children, “This is old and special and you’ll inherit it.” As such, family treasures become a sort of time capsule—reminders of life in our families in years past.
Few of us, however, go as far as folks in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in “preserving” a generation’s treasures. In 1957, Tulsans buried a new gold-and-white Plymouth Belvedere automobile in a vault at the courthouse. The plan was to unearth it in fifty years, at which time some believed we wouldn’t even use cars any more. In 2007, about seven thousand people (who, despite the 1957 prediction, still drove cars) watched workmen pull out the rusty relic. It had flat tires, a corroded radiator, and disintegrating upholstery. The engine that one writer described as “a very large paperweight” wouldn’t start. (1)
Tulsa’s folly brings to mind Jesus’ teaching that earth’s treasures are vulnerable to rust (like this once-new car), moths and thieves (Matt. 6:19-21). Someday the end will come for that heirloom vase, two-hundred-year-old quilt, antique car, trophy case, stuffed moose head, Oscar or Super Bowl ring, or even a building named in your honor. We take none of it to Heaven.
Yet Heaven does have room for intangible “treasures” connected with our lives on earth. The apostle Peter said they’re a spiritual inheritance that will never perish, spoil or fade, and they’re kept in Heaven for those who trust in Jesus as their Savior (1 Pet. 1:3-5). This promise meant a lot to people of Bible times who faced personal losses because of their faith in Christ. They endured public insult, persecution, confiscation of their property, and even imprisonment. Yet the Bible says these believers were able to weather hardship and loss with joy because they believed they had “better and lasting possessions” in eternity (Heb.10:34).
But what of the other side of the coin: devout people who’ve been blessed with wealth and advantage and who can store and enjoy those “family treasures”? The Bible advises them to “pay forward” to spiritual treasures--“do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (1 Tim. 6:17-19). In our times, an example of that was Dr. Ken Taylor, best known for the paraphrased The Living Bible and several children’s books, and for founding a successful Christian publishing house. His vision brought financial success, but he directed his worldly wealth to foundations to further the publication of the Bible throughout the world. Many accolades came Taylor’s way, including four honorary doctorates, but he continued to live humbly into old age. At 87, asked to reflect on his life, he didn’t talk about worldly success but rather a spiritual inheritance and knowing God better. “I want to see my stumbling prayer life grow strong,” he said, adding he’d once again begun a prayer notebook. He wanted to continue reading the Bible daily--Genesis to Revelation—as he’d often urged others to practice. “I will be His servant to the end,” Taylor added, “and then suddenly be transformed from a servant into a son!” (2) He died about a year later, just weeks after turning 88. He left behind the earthly ledger books and awards. He entered Heaven to claim treasures that the Bible calls “crowns.”
Many people mistakenly think that the Bible’s crowns imply Heavenly royalty. Instead, the word the Bible uses for these Heavenly rewards is the same as that for circlets of vines or leaves used to “crown” skilled athletes. Commending individual success in athletic games, these crowns eventually wilted and dried up. But Heaven’s commendation “crowns” will last forever (1 Cor. 9:25). The Bible named some. The “crown of life” is for those who persevered in faith, some to martyrdom (James 1:12. Rev. 2:10). The “crown of righteousness” recognizes performing with integrity the ministry God entrusts to you (2 Tim. 4:8). The “crown of rejoicing” commends those who lead others to faith in Christ (1 Thess. 2:19). The “crown of glory” is for sacrificial pastoral ministry (1 Pet. 5:2-4).
What will we do with these crowns? Be assured: they won’t go in a vault or time capsule for safekeeping. In his vision of Heaven, John saw saints laying their crowns before God’s throne as they worshipped Him as “worthy…to receive glory and honor and power” (Rev. 4:11).Being a part of God’s family is the treasure!
Prayer: God, help me to keep the perspective of Heavenly treasures when I fuss too much about leaving behind earthly “stuff.” Amen.
(1) Randy Krehbiel, “Tarnished Gold,” Tulsa World, June 16, 2007, http://www.tulsaworld.com/common/printerfriendlystory.aspx?articleID=070616_238_A1_spanc28602, accessed November 9, 2008.
(2) Kenneth Taylor, “On Aging,” Wheaton Magazine (Autumn 2004), p. 14.
Maybe it’s an old rocker, quilt, set of dishes, a piece of jewelry, artwork, or wedding veil—but most families have some sort of “treasure” passed down through the generations. Sometimes we display our “family treasures”; sometimes we carefully pack them away, telling our children, “This is old and special and you’ll inherit it.” As such, family treasures become a sort of time capsule—reminders of life in our families in years past.
Few of us, however, go as far as folks in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in “preserving” a generation’s treasures. In 1957, Tulsans buried a new gold-and-white Plymouth Belvedere automobile in a vault at the courthouse. The plan was to unearth it in fifty years, at which time some believed we wouldn’t even use cars any more. In 2007, about seven thousand people (who, despite the 1957 prediction, still drove cars) watched workmen pull out the rusty relic. It had flat tires, a corroded radiator, and disintegrating upholstery. The engine that one writer described as “a very large paperweight” wouldn’t start. (1)
Tulsa’s folly brings to mind Jesus’ teaching that earth’s treasures are vulnerable to rust (like this once-new car), moths and thieves (Matt. 6:19-21). Someday the end will come for that heirloom vase, two-hundred-year-old quilt, antique car, trophy case, stuffed moose head, Oscar or Super Bowl ring, or even a building named in your honor. We take none of it to Heaven.
Yet Heaven does have room for intangible “treasures” connected with our lives on earth. The apostle Peter said they’re a spiritual inheritance that will never perish, spoil or fade, and they’re kept in Heaven for those who trust in Jesus as their Savior (1 Pet. 1:3-5). This promise meant a lot to people of Bible times who faced personal losses because of their faith in Christ. They endured public insult, persecution, confiscation of their property, and even imprisonment. Yet the Bible says these believers were able to weather hardship and loss with joy because they believed they had “better and lasting possessions” in eternity (Heb.10:34).
But what of the other side of the coin: devout people who’ve been blessed with wealth and advantage and who can store and enjoy those “family treasures”? The Bible advises them to “pay forward” to spiritual treasures--“do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (1 Tim. 6:17-19). In our times, an example of that was Dr. Ken Taylor, best known for the paraphrased The Living Bible and several children’s books, and for founding a successful Christian publishing house. His vision brought financial success, but he directed his worldly wealth to foundations to further the publication of the Bible throughout the world. Many accolades came Taylor’s way, including four honorary doctorates, but he continued to live humbly into old age. At 87, asked to reflect on his life, he didn’t talk about worldly success but rather a spiritual inheritance and knowing God better. “I want to see my stumbling prayer life grow strong,” he said, adding he’d once again begun a prayer notebook. He wanted to continue reading the Bible daily--Genesis to Revelation—as he’d often urged others to practice. “I will be His servant to the end,” Taylor added, “and then suddenly be transformed from a servant into a son!” (2) He died about a year later, just weeks after turning 88. He left behind the earthly ledger books and awards. He entered Heaven to claim treasures that the Bible calls “crowns.”
Many people mistakenly think that the Bible’s crowns imply Heavenly royalty. Instead, the word the Bible uses for these Heavenly rewards is the same as that for circlets of vines or leaves used to “crown” skilled athletes. Commending individual success in athletic games, these crowns eventually wilted and dried up. But Heaven’s commendation “crowns” will last forever (1 Cor. 9:25). The Bible named some. The “crown of life” is for those who persevered in faith, some to martyrdom (James 1:12. Rev. 2:10). The “crown of righteousness” recognizes performing with integrity the ministry God entrusts to you (2 Tim. 4:8). The “crown of rejoicing” commends those who lead others to faith in Christ (1 Thess. 2:19). The “crown of glory” is for sacrificial pastoral ministry (1 Pet. 5:2-4).
What will we do with these crowns? Be assured: they won’t go in a vault or time capsule for safekeeping. In his vision of Heaven, John saw saints laying their crowns before God’s throne as they worshipped Him as “worthy…to receive glory and honor and power” (Rev. 4:11).Being a part of God’s family is the treasure!
Prayer: God, help me to keep the perspective of Heavenly treasures when I fuss too much about leaving behind earthly “stuff.” Amen.
(1) Randy Krehbiel, “Tarnished Gold,” Tulsa World, June 16, 2007, http://www.tulsaworld.com/common/printerfriendlystory.aspx?articleID=070616_238_A1_spanc28602, accessed November 9, 2008.
(2) Kenneth Taylor, “On Aging,” Wheaton Magazine (Autumn 2004), p. 14.
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