Silver And Gold

Matthew 6:19-21

Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:20)

SILVER AND GOLD MADE the Spanish empire rich. Considered valuable because of their relative scarcity and ability to resist decay, these precious metals were also symbolic of several ideals: elegance, status, longevity, even eternity. They were the noble metals, signs of regal abundance. So in the age of discovery and exploration, when new passageways to Europe’s east and west were established and Spain was rapidly conquering much of the Americas, silver and gold became its ultimate goal. The wealth of the empire became paramount.

Of course, nothing in this world lasts forever—not kingdoms and empires, nor eras of abundance, nor silver and gold themselves. Even so, citizens of this world are easily captivated by its precious substances: wealth, status, power, influence, pleasure, and more. These may be given to us by our Creator to enjoy—in measure—but not to compete for or hoard in some desperate effort to exalt ourselves and maximize our experiences. In fact, these riches are usually given as pictures of something greater or as tastes of promises more real. But our hearts tend to cling to lesser realties that our eyes can see rather than the greater ones seen only by eyes of faith. We tend to go after whatever looks like the sure thing.

We need to reconsider what “the sure thing” is. When we find more joy in concrete but momentary pleasures than we do in a relationship that lasts forever, we make a disappointing statement to the people around us, many of whom are looking for a more fulfilling life. On the other hand, when we find more joy in God and his Kingdom than we do in the fleeting treasures of this world, the statement we make is even more profound. We point to eternal realities that are truer than silver and gold—and far more lasting.

{Lord, inspire me to set my sights on the realities of heaven and my mind on things above, just as your Word tells me to do. Anchor my heart in your Kingdom, and let my satisfaction in you be evident to all. Amen.