For years my husband and I took a perverse pride in not owning a cell phone. We reasoned that everyone else had one, so if we broke down on the highway, eventually someone would pull over. A couple years ago, we finally joined the smartphone crowd. I love my humble Android. Directions, pictures, music, books, friends, facts . . . all in the palm of my hand. 

What can’t you live without? Your smartphone? Your big-screen TV? Your bed (said my 13-year-old)?

Such treasures we have! But when do treasures become treacherous? Jesus warns us: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. . . . For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

When a tool with a limited lifespan becomes your biggest treasure, watch out. If you can’t possibly be happy until your current iPhone or paycheck is replaced with the bigger, better version, watch out. You’re flirting with discontent and its cousins: envy, worry, greed. A quest for material wealth can so easily drag us into spiritual poverty. 

What’s the remedy? To turn in repentance to our Savior who gave up everything so we might be rich. Not 401(k) rich. But rich as we await an inheritance no money can buy: a pain-free, sorrow-free, joy-filled eternity. And rich in generosity as we use our fleeting earthly blessings to share this sure hope of our hearts.