Grandma’s Trophies

Read: Matthew 6:19-21 “Look, Malachi!” Nevaeh said as she pulled a small worn book out of an old trunk that had belonged to their great-grandmother. Her voice echoed a little in the big attic where they were cleaning. “This looks like a journal Grandma Baker wrote in. She gave it the title ‘My Trophies.’” “I wonder what kind of trophies she won,” said Malachi. “Was she an athlete?” “Well, let’s look.” Nevaeh opened the book and read out loud. “May 10. Thank You, Lord, for letting me talk to Abigail today and help her understand how much You love her. I’m so glad she trusted Jesus as her Savior.” Nevaeh turned a few pages. “July 16. Today Graham left to be a missionary in India. He’s changed so much since he got saved, and now he’s serving the Lord.” “I wonder who Abigail and Graham were,” said Malachi. “Let’s ask Dad.” When the kids asked their father, he smiled. “I think they were children Grandma Baker led to the Lord. She worked as a children’s missionary for many years. Those kids became living trophies as they turned to Christ—examples of how God was working through her to bring more people to Him. It was the most important thing to her.” “Yes,” said Mom. “Grandma didn’t have much earthly treasure, but she was rich in heavenly treasures. In the Bible, Jesus talks about how important it is to store our treasure in heaven.” “There’s a good lesson here for all of us,” said Dad. “Each of us should ask ourselves, ‘Where am I storing treasure? On earth, or in heaven?’” “But do I have to lead somebody to Jesus to get treasure in heaven?” asked Nevaeh. “I’m not sure I could do that.” Dad shook his head. “It’s not what we do that stores treasure in heaven, but who we do it for. When we trust in Jesus, everything we do out of love and service to Him builds on the treasure we have in Him. He’s our true treasure, and He helps us store heavenly riches that last forever by making us more like Him so we can show others His love.” Dad smiled at Nevaeh. “Someday you might be surprised how He’ll help you lead someone to the treasure found only in Him.” –Jan L. Hansen How about you? Where do you store your treasure? In the rooms and closets of your home? In good grades or likes on a screen? Or in heaven? Things like money, success, and popularity come and go, and they can only last as long as your life on earth. But the treasure found in Jesus lasts for all eternity! Store treasure in heaven by trusting Him to help you share His love with others and point them to Him. Today's Key Verse: Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 (NLT) Today's Key Thought: Store treasure in heaven