Reflections

Matthew 6:19-21 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… 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 you heart will be also.

The Red River, or "Red Sea" as it is now called, with its flooding of a large portion of Southern Manitoba, Canada, has dominated the news in Canada for the past few weeks. This flood is of particular interest to me and my family. You see, we lived in a town that is now surrounded by a hastily constructed earth dike. In fact, our former house is three houses away from the dike.

We called a friend from there the other day. The water was lapping against the edge of the dike. Some people we knew well have been evacuated from their farms. Another family laid 30,000 sand bags on top of the permanent dike which surrounds their farm. On this island they sit, with a 30 day supply of feed for their chickens and 30 days of groceries for themselves. They wait, hoping and praying that their efforts, and those of dozens of volunteers, will be enough to save their farm.

During our phone call, our friend detailed the situation of families we knew, telling us how they were faring. What was interesting to me was the response of some of the people to the news that the flood was coming. One man in particular had a response which surprised me. He insisted that the water wouldn't get as far as their farm, and so he refused to order sand bags. Finally his wife called and placed the order. He is now grateful that she did.

As we spoke with our friend, she talked about the lengths to which people were going to save their homes and farms. Then she made this comment, "For some, it's all they have. It's their life." "If you don't have a relationship with God, your things are all you have." Not only was it an insightful comment, but it was a healthy reminder of what is ultimately important and lasting in life.

At Youth for Christ, we do a lot of work with young people. The most significant work that we are engaged in, however, is seeking to be used by God to produce fruit that will last. Floods or other natural disasters can take away our material possessions. Our health can deteriorate. But we have a treasure that can't be touched by those things.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to value our relationship with you as our most cherished and prized possession. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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