Article December 17, 1966 Issue

Laying Up Treasure in Heaven

DOROTHY M. OATES

Many times an individual is tempted to evaluate his assets in terms of stocks and bonds, cash in banks, and real estate holdings. He feels a comfortable sense of security if these assets represent a sufficient amount to guarantee that he will never, in the foreseeable future, want for any of the things he considers important for his happiness and that of his family.

But what about that foreseeable future? If it is based upon material values, how secure is it? Would one be a pauper if all his possessions were swept away by some unforeseen disaster? Jesus taught his disciples, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is. there will your heart be also." ^{Matt. 6:19-21;}

To many people home represents a comfortable, warm dwelling, where friends and family may gather, where beauty and hospitality may be shared with others, where newcomers to the neighborhood may be lovingly welcomed in an atmosphere of joy and peace. All right aims, surely. Nothing wrong with this concept of home! But are not these qualities spiritual? When one considers them in that light, recognizes them as the continuing gifts of God, he will never again think of home merely as an attractive frame or brick dwelling, with a certain number of rooms, on a piece of real estate worth a certain amount of money. He will realize that home in its truest sense is always within one's consciousness and that everything real comes from God, good.

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