J. I. Packer says in his book Hot Tub Religion "...we have recast Christianity into a mold that stresses happiness above holiness, blessings here above blessedness hereafter, health and wealth as God's best gifts..." The problem with riches is that we have a cheap view of them. We tend to think if we win the lottery our troubles are over, he who dies with the most toys wins and our greatest need is a big treasure chest for our security and comfort.
The Trump Tower I hear is a nice place. Pictures of the interior show elaborate design with extravagant gold decorations. But, I compared the dimensions to the New Jerusalem and if the two were side by side you almost could not see Trumps place. It would be the Tiny Tower.
Trump Tower New York
When you look at the glory of the New Jerusalem, which I like to call the Golden City, it is priceless because it represents the glory and value of heaven. It is where all true believers will one day go and be in the presence of Christ as we saw last week (Rev. 21:9-27). What could be of more value to invest in?
Jesus said, "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 neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mat. 6:19-21).
Christ spoke often about laying up treasures. But God does not need our money because He owns it all anyway. All we have is His. The reason we have been given anything is to use it for His glory. Jokes abound about the more you give the larger your mansion will be there. But that is self-serving and narcissistic. Actually, we will all be on the same street there. The only difference will be what we did that truly glorified Christ. Was it given or done in a spirit of worship and for His glory. Was it sacrificial or just a token. Remember all believers will be in the Golden City soon to meet our King. Are you ready?
-Pastor Mark