What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. --Philippians 3:8

In a publication put out by Wycliffe Bible Translators called, In Other Words, a story was published about Sadie Sieker, a lady who served for many years as a house-parent for missionaries’ children in the Philippines.

Sadie loved books. She would gladly loan out some on occasion, but there were others that she treasured and kept tucked away in a footlocker under her bed.

One night, when all had gone to bed and everything was quiet, Sadie heard a faint gnawing sound. She searched her room for the source of the sound, but then suddenly realized it was come from her footlocker underneath her bed.

When she opened it, she found only a huge pile of dust. All the precious books she had kept hidden away for herself had been lost to a band of termites. Sadie learned a valuable lesson that night—what we give away, we keep. What we hoard, we lose.

Matthew 6:19-21 says, “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… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Jesus exhorts us not to value possessions or keep them selfishly locked away. If your heart is focused on possessions, money, security, friendships, or something else, the Lord will take it all away. He wants your full attention, offerings, and all of your possessions.

Jesus’ words strike at the very heart of human selfishness. We are all selfish by nature, so we must daily seek to give all that we have and our lives (see Luke 17:33, John 12:25) to Him, so He can fully use us for His glory and receive His blessings.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Through prayer, seek to commit yourself and your things to the Lord for His use.