“Where your treasure is …”

In this age of materialism, Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members all the more devote themselves to doing good works that will enhance their spiritual lives.

By DENNIS C. LOVENDINO

A PERSON’S PREOCCUPATION with or emphasis on material objects, comforts, and considerations, with indifference to or even rejection of spiritual things, is known as materialism. To say that we are living in a materialistic world is to state the obvious. This is not something that should come as a shock because the Savior long ago described the materialistic leaning of people in our times:

“When I return the world will be as indifferent to the things of God as the people were in Noah’s day. They ate and drank and married—everything just as usual right up to the day when Noah went into the ark and the flood came and destroyed them all. And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot: people went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building—until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and brimstone rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. Yes, it will be ‘business as usual’ right up to the hour of my return.” (Luke 17:26–30 Living Bible)

People during the times of Noah and of Lot “went about their daily business”—eating, drinking, and getting married—and were “indifferent to the things of God” before destruction struck them. Likewise, people will exhibit the same materialistic attitudes on the days before Christ’s return.

Apostle Paul warned Timothy of this:

“You should also know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control; They will be cruel and have no interest in what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. You must stay away from people like that.” (II Tim. 3:1–5 New Living Translation)

‘Move aside, Church service; we have playoffs to watch’

Even some religious preachers or pastors are joining the “trend.” A pastor of The Bridge Church made this announcement: “Attention Seattle: All church services in the greater metro area will be moved to 7 a.m. next Sunday. This assures you are home in time for kickoff and the Seahawks are all prayed up” (Heraldnet.com; “Churches Change Service Times to Accommodate Hawks Fans” by Gale Fiege). Take note of how the church services were moved to give way to a football playoff.

Similarly, it is not unusual nowadays to see church services being held at shopping malls. The rationale could be “If people are not going to church, then the church is going to the people.”

“When I return the world will be as indifferent to the things of God as the people were in Noah’s day.”

Luke 17:26

Living Bible

A word of advice to Christians

Christ’s true disciples can be identified by their obedience to His teachings. One of the things Christ taught that His true disciples should heed is to come into the fold through Him for them to be saved (John 10:7, 9). The fold or flock He commands people to come into is His Church, or the Church Of Christ:

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation)

In the face of this prevalent materialism, Christ gave this warning to the Church Of Christ members:

“Be careful not to let yourselves become occupied with too much feasting and drinking and with the worries of this life, or that Day may suddenly catch you like a trap. For it will come upon all people everywhere on earth. Be on watch and pray always that you will have the strength to go safely through all those things that will happen and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34–36 Good News Bible)

Apostle Paul echoed the warning of the Savior:

“So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.” (Eph. 5:15–16 nlt)

He cautioned the Christians against going with the flow and conforming to the standards of this world.

“So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.”

Ephesians 5:15–16

New Living Translation

Where our treasures should be

Hence, although it is good to be diligent at work or to pursue education, one must not lose sight that he ends up neglecting or even transgressing the teachings of God. Christ exhorts us, thus:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19–21 New International Version)

How do we store up riches in heaven? Apostle Paul explained:

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others. In this way they will store up for themselves a treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future. And then they will be able to win the life which is true life.” (I Tim. 6:18–19 gnb)

In this age of materialism, true Christians all the more devote themselves to doing good works that will enhance their spiritual lives. They busy themselves with worshiping God and praising Him despite the troubles that may afflict them (John 4:23; Ps. 42:11); give their offerings (Heb. 13:15–16); share their faith with their fellowmen (Matt. 5:13–19; Ps. 40:9–10); help edify their fellow Christians (I Thess. 5:11), among others.

The promise

In doing so, they are assured of being provided with their daily needs:

“This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn’t life worth more than food? And isn’t the body worth more than clothes? … Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things.” (Matt. 6:25, 33 gnb)

Above all, they are assured of enjoying eternal rest in the Kingdom of Heaven (Rev. 14:12–13). ❑

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