"Dash"

Long times past and names are cast,

On markers made of stone,

Others come, their turn to run,

And then, they too, pass on.

The starting date, on time not late,

Followed by a dash,

Then when they died, crossed to that side,

Their years all done and passed.

We read the names of history’s fames,

And know we’re kin to them,

But memories lost, so often tossed,

Like dust into the wind.

Not so far back, they fought the lack,

And worked to make life good,

Their names are gone, did not take long,

We’d remember if we could.

So what to think, when feelings sink,

Will anything we do,

When this life goes, God only knows,

What lasts when we are through.

But all pursuits with godly roots,

Will stand the test of time,

Treasures above, when done in love,

Eternal values find.

And if my name attracts no fame,

With those I leave behind,

I cannot miss if God’s book lists,

Me there, because I find,

This life is not what gain you got,

Or just how big your splash,

But if by grace you ran your race,

God Spirit-filled your dash.

“Store your treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:20, NLT)

We’re all concerned with how to make the best living, pay our bills, and provide for our families. We make plans, save money, and invest so that we have something for the future. Are these pursuits evil? No, and the Bible has a lot to say about the value of working hard and being a good steward. But Jesus taught that it’s short-sighted to only be concerned with earthly gain. In fact all earthly gain means nothing if we are not laying up treasure in heaven. Paul instructed Timothy to encourage successful people to be generous with giving to others so that they could make an eternal investment. It’s all about surrendering all we have to the Lord and making sure heaven is our first priority. If we lay up treasure in heaven we will experience God’s blessing in both heaven and on earth.

Lord, help us lay up treasure in heaven, in Jesus’ name.