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Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matthew 6:19-21

Check out last Sunday’s sermon here.

In 2021 the company Generac Power Systems* nearly increased its revenue by 50%. Generac Power Systems manufactures home generators, among other products. Why? Increased power outages of course. Some figures estimate** that the US leads developing countries in power outages. As a result, last spring major news outlets made claims as to what was behind these outages.

What was a common synopsis? A changing environment and a decaying power grid were the culprits.

Regardless of whether you blame the environmental crisis, or poor infrastructure and the political entanglements connected to both, the effect is unchanging. Increasing generator purchases seem at least to be a sign of a growing lack of confidence in the larger systems and grids responsible to keep the lights on. People are putting their treasure into treasure that will help secure their treasure. When faith in the provider dwindles, we look to protect what is ours with our own source of security.

Is Jesus telling me to not be a prepper?

Enter Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19-21. The extremist responds, “Walk by faith, not by your off-grid fossil fueled power system! Stop putting your hope in your generator!”

The rich young man (see Matthew 19:16-22) replies, “If I don’t have this security, my life will not be a happy one!”

The Christian surrenders, “Christ, you are King! May every investment I make in this life be directed toward your eternal treasure. Be King over my purchases and life decisions.”

No, Jesus is not telling us to be naive or lazy or unambitious. Neither does He desire treasure mongers who are shrewd, unloving, or selfish (Luke 12:16-21). However, Jesus is pressing you to see where your hope is and should be. Is my silo full of stuff, pending moths and rust, awaiting the next thief to come and steal it all away? Is my joy based on stuff and my heart settled in temporary comforts?

Meditate on Pastor Mike’s questions from the close of Sunday’s message and bring to God your fears, doubts, laying your hope continually at His feet.

Where is my Treasure?

  1. What are some things that I cannot be happy without?
  2. What am I worried about losing?
  3. What am I investing in now (long and short term)?
  4. When I evaluate the success of others, what is my criteria?
  5. Where will my treasures be in 100 years?

*“A Record Number of People are Buying Generators–Here’s Why to Consider One,” USA Today, https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/reviewed/2022/03/02/home-generator-rising-sales-where-to-buy-backup-standby-portable/9331686002/

**“The US Has More Power Outages Than Any Other Developing Country. Here’s Why,” Popular Science, https://www.popsci.com/story/environment/why-us-lose-power-storms/