Though I searched a lot through scriptures at a young age for many different answers, my search usually consisted of one-liners or contradictive text that confirmed my anger against religion. I searched through for reasons to tell myself that the Bible was an old book of old ways, unknowingly misunderstanding my being taught of the Bible as knowing the Bible. Whether my reasons were for rebellion against my childhood teachings, or merely to have the ammunition stored for the debates with those that did believe, I searched until I felt as though I could deter a discussion about God.
One specifically I would like to share of scripture is below. I only recently feel as though I have a better understanding of this scripture, but I used to get aggravated by it. I hope that it encourages you to share some knowledge that you may have recently gained insight from with those nearest you.
19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21
When reading this previously, I became upset not only because I was ignorant to what it meant, but because it also sounded like what I thought people 'should' say when "conforming to Christianity" (to me anyway at the time). My response sat similarly to "Of course...", knowing full-well that I did not know how to accomplish the nice sounding idea. My aggravation came from the ignorance, but also the jealously of the peace I noticed when those that I could see believed what they were saying. Through earnest discussions and lots of prayer, I feel as though God is now allowing me to better understand some portions of the text.
My learning has taught me that rather than placing our hopes into our houses (being the largest lifetime investment most of us make with our funds), our family, our marriage or our finances, we are to place our hopes firmly in the Kingdom of God. We place our hopes there, knowing that God has good things in store for us, but also because the troubles of the world do not enter Heaven. In Heaven, not only can treasures not be taken, but while they wait for you, your treasures do not wither or waste away as we know it here on Earth.
When Jesus is telling us that rust and moths do not corrupt those treasures, that allows us to know that the waiting for our treasures will not alter their condition, corrupt it, nor cause them to wither. Jesus is telling us that the process of deterioration does not exist for our treasures while resting in Heaven, nor do they have the risk of theft. However, the treasures that we can place are a bit different.
26Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 27Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. John 6:26-27 KJV
I think the intent is to better understand what our treasures are and where we think they come from. Reflecting on what we have to put first in our life for them to be obtained is a part of the process. Through John, we get a picture of Jesus possibly trying to describe to His disciples where their efforts should be placed. Jesus seems to be describing to them that their purpose is to follow Him, physically and spiritually. While they talk more of the miracles seen and request to see more of them, Jesus attempts to correct their aim toward God and instructs them to follow Him to God.
The foundation of placing our hopes with God allow for us to endure the trials of the world. The word, being the bread, allow for us to be filled with hope, just as described in the prayer that Jesus shares (Mathew 6:9). Just as Jesus explains, the word keeps those of us that are filled with hope coming back. Likewise, we can use scripture to overcome the opposite of hope, combating hopelessness. Overall, Jesus is teaching us the way to enter into the Kingdom of God is through Him, allowing for true joy, peace, longsuffering and a new meaning of love.
Join me, if you will, for this prayer to share:
"Father, creator of the universe, and all things beyond my comprehension, thank you for allowing us a way to You. I am grateful for You, Your Son and the Holy Spirit, all gifted to us that accept Jesus as the way to You. Thank you for the continuation of Your mercy and grace, allowing us to celebrate and to rejoice still today! We ask that Your Kingdom come, making things on Earth as they are in Heaven. Allow for us to build a foundation of hope in the Kingdom that You reign, forever, in which we will one day well with You. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen!"
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