Where Is Your Treasure

We drove out of the little Montana town of Melrose through the abandoned remains of the once viable little town of Hecla that boasted a population of 1,000 citizens. It was the mining and smelting site for the gold, silver, and copper mined nearby. The 30 foot beehive shaped charcoal ovens were all that remains. 

From there we drove the lonely mountain trail up to an elevation of 8,000 feet to Vipond, another formerly prosperous gold rush community built around the Mewonitoc Load in 1868. A lone cowboy and his two cattle dogs, working in isolation, were moving a herd of about 200 cattle down from this expansive plateau to the lower plains for the winter. All of this is way off the tourist route.

Faint remains are all that exist of these once bustling mountain towns. They are a reminder that physical things seldom last. Therefore, don’t put your trust in gold and silver, physical things. For this reason Scripture urges that we establish our proper priorities.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”  (I John 2:15-17 ESV)

Once a person invests their faith for life in Jesus, eternal life is assured. With that set and maintained, abundant life can be enjoyed to the fullest.

Residual benefits are plentiful and joyous.

An effective prayer life is resultant. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5: 16) The word “righteous” means to live right-wise with God. When in fellowship with Him heaven is open to you. This entitles you to talk to the Father about such matters as, but not exclusively, health, guidance in decision making, finances, home life, friendships, business, and the list goes on.

A major bonus is “peace that passes understanding for Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14: 27) Think about it, that is a priceless promise. Abnormal fear and anxiety are controlled.

At the end of life awaits the foremost of blessings. 

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”