Treasures on earth are not what we should seek

Mar 20

One of the amazing things I get to do with the military is travel to Africa with our partnerships. On one of my first trips to Botswana, I sat and watched a cultural night where the artists showcased music and dancing across all the regions and tribes. I fell in love with the country and culture and couldn’t wait to bring my family back. We returned for Spring break the following year and traveled across Zimbabwe and Botswana. Every day when we returned from our Safari, we would be greeted with the music and dancing from the region. Evening meals were always ended with a similar celebration. Our guide happened to be from the local tribe near the resort. We asked him if we could spend a day with his tribe. As he drove us to his village, he shared that when a young man was strong enough, he would build his home. He was responsible for the framing, but he would have to find a woman to build the mud walls. As we pulled in, he showed us the remnants of a home and smiled as he told us that he was not strong enough and that was all that remained of his first home. As we continued, I started coming up with solutions. I knew how we could bring power with solar panels, running water and a water tank, and how we could modernize this village. Then it happened, a young girl stood outside her hut and smiled and waved and you could hear her laughter on the wind. I looked deeper and saw pure joy on all the villagers’ faces. They shared how they work as a community to support the village. They elect their elder and they all come together in community to provide for the village. When hunting and fishing is out of season, they make baskets and other items to sale. They send their children far away to sometimes live with strangers so they can receive their education in the larger cities. All I saw around me was love and joy. There was no jealousy, there was no envy, there was community and caring. Who was I to think that my way of life was better than what I saw in front of me?

Our treasures are in Heaven and not of this earth. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20, NIV). This small village far removed from most of the world had it figured out. It wasn’t about the treasures or riches on earth-that is not what brings joy. They had everything they needed in each other and in love. I left that day thankful to witness the joy in the simple things, it was a reminder I did not realize I needed.

Today, I pray that you take joy in the simple things and you keep your eyes towards the treasures in Heaven and not on collecting things on earth. I pray that you reach out to each other in love and remove envy, jealousy, and boasting from your life.