SEPTEMBER 25, Matthew 6:20

“Are you allowed to use that for your homework?” asked Mom when she saw Cassandra punching numbers on her calculator. “Actually, I am, but this isn’t homework,” said Cassandra. “I’m trying to figure out how much I can give to the missions in Thailand.”

“I thought that was settled,” said Mom.
“Yeah, but at the mall, I saw a jacket I wanted, so I’m checking...” Cassandra interrupted herself with a shake of her head. “There isn’t enough money for both the jacket and the love-gift,” she said, “so now I’ll have to decide whether to buy the jacket or to give the love gift.”

“The missions in Thailand seemed so important to you,” Mom said, surprised.

“I know.” Cassandra nodded. “The youth who went last year said it was really good and they had such blessings. And they even caught a monkey – you remember?”

“Sounds vaguely familiar,” said Mom. “What happened?”
Cassandra grinned. “There was this monkey that would come into the village, and he was stealing food. To catch him, they attached a jar with a narrow opening to a tree branch. They put treats in the jar, and the monkey reached in and grabbed the treats-which made its fist too big to get it out.

Mom smiled. “I know you’d enjoy giving to the missions,” she said. “Yeah,” Cassandra agreed. She sighed. “But I really like that jacket. Mmm...”

“Well...” Mom hesitated. “It’s your money,” she said at last, “but think about that monkey again. He gave up his freedom for a small treat. It seems to me that the jacket is just a small treat, while giving to the missions would produce a lasting treasure if it’s truly done for the Lord. Will you give that up because you’re too stubborn to let go of a treat?”

“Wow! When you put it like that...” Cassandra shut off her calculator. “I guess the decision isn’t so hard after all.”

Thought: Do I find it hard to choose between earthly things and Heavenly treasures?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, sometimes the choice of a temporary pleasure may seem more attractive than something that brings lasting rewards. Teach me not to hold onto “treats” so tightly that I lose sight of what really matters. This is my prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.