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Jesus said to his disciples:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” –Matthew 6:19-21

I went to a minor league baseball game with one of the fellows I support the other day. It happened to be a “school day” which means most of the stadium was filled with elementary school-aged kids.

I was looking forward to watching some baseball. Before the first pitch left the pitchers hand, five beach balls were served into the crowd for the kids to hit and play with during the game.

“oh boy.”

The organizers are smart; they know that these kids need to have a memorable time so that they will come back with their families and buy more tickets.

It turned into two separate events: recess for kids in the stands and a minor league baseball game on the field.

In between innings, the announcer proclaimed to the audience

“WHO WANTS T-SHIRTS?!”

 Stadium staff then strut on top of the dugout to throw out whatever toy or memorabilia that they are giving away. The kids stand in a chorus of pleas and waving arms to receive a Frisbee or bouncy ball that is stamped with the home team emblem.

Even the fellow I was with that day couldn’t resist the hype. He caught a Frisbee that had a gift certificate to a seafood restaurant on the back.

I’ve never seen him throw a Frisbee in the year and a half that I’ve worked with him and he doesn’t eat seafood… but he decided to keep both anyway.

Perhaps it is because I’ve been to minor league games and received these little toys, but I’ve never prized the trinkets or shirts quite as passionately as I begged and screamed for them. And I have a hunch these kids might not either.

But it is so indoctrinated in us American folk to long for and rely on “stuff”. “Oh my gosh, it’s a bouncy ball, I need that bouncy ball in my liiiiiiiife!” “ It’s a t-shirt that might not fit me. I NEED IT!!!!!!!!”

 To their credit, they are kids. But the principle that they are following is seen in some adults as well.

“You should pick up a trade, plenty of money to be made there.” “If you went back to college you could increase your pay.”

 Just a few things “successful” adults have tried to suggest to me.

More things=more happiness

This formula is used in our commercials and arts. But it’s faulty.

But store up treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.

 Invest in the things that won’t wither away. Save up the treasures of heaven.

During the week, Matthew Juliano is a mentor for individuals who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. On the weekends, he is a drummer for Full Armor Band. You can find more content by Matt and his band at www.fullarmorband.com.