JUNE 23, Matthew 16:26

“There he goes,” said John, as he watched the plane take off. Mr Sim, a family friend and a missionary to Africa, had visited John’s family the past week. “He sure works hard, doesn’t he?” added John.

Dad nodded. “Yes,” he agreed, “but as Mr Sim says, it’s worth it all because many people’s souls are being won for Jesus.”

As John and his family left the airport and headed back toward home, they came to a large, impressive home where many cars had pulled off the road and lots of people were milling around. Mom had read about this in the papers. “Mrs Seetoh lived here. She was a very wealthy old lady,” said Mom. “She was reportedly afraid of people stealing from her. She passed away recently, and I saw in the news that there is going to be an auction of her possessions. Her heirs are selling everything.”

“Let’s stop and have a look,” suggested John. Dad and Mom agreed, and they stopped to look around.

“There are some lovely things here,” said Mom as they moved through the rooms, “but most of them are still too expensive for our budget!”

When they were once again on their way, Dad spoke thoughtfully. “We’ve seen quite a contrast today. Mrs Seetoh was known for her earthly possessions. Mr Sim is known for his service for Jesus. Two different lives with two different kinds of treasure.”

“Was Mrs Seetoh a Christian?” wondered Beng Lee.

“It wasn’t reported in the papers,” replied Mom, “but we can’t judge her heart, of course.”

“Regardless, all the riches and lovely things she had are of no use to her now,” said Dad thoughtfully. “It would be sad if people were to be more concerned about their earthly riches than about their eternal destiny.”

Thought: Do you want to have lots of money and possessions? Money and possessions will not save you when you are called to stand before God. Only Christ can save you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me remember that it is useless to have everything in the world but lose my soul. Help me to also share this with other people so they will know the truth. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.