THEY ARE PLAY THINGS

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (Mat 6:19 KJV)

There is a saying in Economics that states, "Human wants are insatiable". Literarily, human beings find comfort in amassing materials, positions, titles, wealth and the likes. Yet, they never find satisfaction.

James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights." That means, you cannot have good things except God allows. To some, it is an enviable career. To some, it is money. To some, it is a lucrative job. To some, it is a sought-after position. To some, it is intelligence. To some, it is fame. To some, it is influence. To some, it is a car. To some, it is beauty, and so on. We are not supposed to elevate any of these things above the love of God. Else, we’ll be caught in being anxious for pleasure that we can never get enough of it.

I recently read the story of two young boys. They were having a great time with their 'playthings'. A lady said to them, “Hello, boys, these are your treasures, your greatest treasures, I suppose.” Then the elder boy responded, “No, ma’am, these are not our treasures, they are our playthings; our treasures are in heaven.” Wow! What a profound and an unimaginable response from a young chap!

While it is not out of place to have good things, Jesus warned against the danger of the heart being ensnared and ruined because of earthly things. Earthly things are supposed to be considered 'playthings' because they don't last forever. When Jesus preached His sermon on the mount, part of His key messages is, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth." The reason why it is not safe to lay treasures for yourself upon the earth was laid bare in verse 21. It says, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Mat 6:21 KJV)

Beloved, I encourage you to set your heart on heavenly things. With that, your affections and priorities will be focused on heaven whilst you are here on earth. And that will guarantee your satisfaction, happiness, and hope, now and to all eternity. So, don't be conned, Earthly things are 'Playthings'.