URC Daily Devotion 8 November 2025

 
St Matthew 6: 19 – 21
 
‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal;  but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
 
Reflection
 
I think it is a great shame that for many the Church and the Bible are perceived as ‘telling us what to do’ – an attitude that has sadly been off-putting for many. The Bible is filled with great advice but it is an invitation not a prescription. And its counsel is very contemporary – I can’t help thinking, if it were put on TikTok by the latest influencer, people would eagerly embrace it!
 
Quotes about creating experiences rather than buying material goods are not a million miles from what Jesus is getting at here. Deep down, we know things can be snatched away at any minute. With Covid, storm damage and flooding, we are realising things we took for granted are no longer permanent. And many would agree we should slow down and enjoy the good things of life rather than be always rushing to accumulate the possessions which ultimately leave us wanting more.
 
Jesus echoes the sentiments of Kohelet, the Teacher in Ecclesiastes, who realises that everything we strive for disappears like mist. Consequently, Ecclesiastes has a bit of a depressing reputation but actually it carries a message of hope. We are reminded that the only constant is our relationship with God.
 
Jesus the Rabbi, teaches the same thing as his Old Testament predecessor. Remember, he tells us not to worry about our clothing and food, comparing how much God gives to the lilies of the field and the birds of the air and not to worry about tomorrow to simply live in the present moment today.
 
Wealth and possessions are not to become a distraction from God, but to be used wisely and responsibly for the common good. Ultimately, we cannot take these things with us instead, we have our true treasure the love and grace of God and those do not disappear like the mist.
 
Prayer
 
God remind us today to stop striving for earthly treasures and to realise that what we have is enough
Guide us instead, to find ways to deepen our relationship with you the source of our true and enduring treasure
And remind us how to share this treasure with those who may not yet have found it
Amen