What do you take with you? - 16 February 2024

With the death of millionaire John D Rockefeller, a journalist wanted to find out how much his fortune consisted of. Determined to find the answer, the journalist made an appointment with one of Rockefeller’s most important employees and asked him how much Rockefeller actually left behind. The employee’s answer was simple: “He left everything behind.”

I like the expression: A shroud has no pockets. When we die, we cannot take anything with us.

In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Also, in Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV), we read: “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, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

A shroud does not have pockets. Where do you gather most of your treasures?

Prayer: Father God, thank you very much for every possession. Please help me not to get so carried away with possessing even more that it becomes more important than you. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen