Photo and Commentary ©2024 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Some of you may remember the situation of Y2K, also known as “Year 2000” and the concern people had as the date approached. For those who don’t remember, it was centered around a computer issue that had the potential to bring down worldwide infrastructures, as the computers might not be able to distinguish between the year 2000 and the year 1900. During the time leading up to January 1, 2000, many were storing up food supplies, water, and other essentials – fearing the worst.
Years later, when the Covid pandemic was in full swing, we saw similar behavior. In fact, most humans have the tendency to store up, collect, hoard, save lots of things, regardless of the circumstances. That mindset is typically a self-preservation, a way to “save myself” from whatever may come. Even during non-catastrophe times, humans tend to collect “stuff,” whether it’s cars, money, houses – we want more than we could possibly need. That storing up leads to self-reliance, that feeling we can take care of ourselves. Let’s read what Matthew says about the topic, in chapter 6.
Matthew 6:19-21
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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Self-reliance can lead us away from a daily walk with our Creator. If we think we can take care of ourselves, we will be less worried about a prayer life requesting “give us our daily bread.” We need to be reliant on the One who cares, protects, and provides for us – daily.
Don’t get me wrong, some collecting/storing up can be a good thing. Take my friend the bee for example. He was flying from one flower to the next collecting the pollen necessary to sustain the hive. It’s interesting that bee pollen is also known as bee bread, Maybe it’s not a coincidence we are taught to pray for our daily bread. When I saw this buzzing winged buddy, I knew the collection process was for the greater good of the hive, not for a personal gain. That’s the difference in the mindset Matthew was describing, in the verse. Don’t be worried about collecting a bunch of stuff that’s not going to be worth anything in the long run. Be more focused on the bigger picture, eternal life with our Savior. When we are worried about the day and the days toome, make sure the daily walk you have allows you to focus on our final destination, not our current locale.