After my grandmother died, my mother gave me a diamond ring that had belonged to her. I never knew how much it was worth, and of course, I couldn't wear it. Nevertheless, it became one of my most treasured possessions because it had belonged to my grandmother. It was the only thing I owned that had belonged to her and I would never consider parting with it.Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, "What is my most treasured possession?" To one, it might be a family heirloom passed down from his or her parents, an album of family photos, or a family pet. To another, it might be a fishing boat, a baseball autographed by a famous player, or a trophy won in a sporting event. We all have something that we consider a precious treasure.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
The season of Lent is a good time for us to search our hearts and assess where our treasures are being stored. Are we storing up the treasures that this world has to offer, or are we storing up treasure in heaven by using the spiritual gifts that God has given us? In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (Romans 12:6-8 NLT)
To many, Lent is a time when the focus is on giving something up. To give up chocolate, or coffee, or cokes. I think it more appropriate to make it a time that we focus on giving — not giving up. Make it a time to be devoted to loving one another above ourselves. A time to live in harmony with one another. A time to "Give of Your Best to the Master."
