Don’t Trade Your Treasure

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

─ 1 Peter 4:1-2 ESV

Don’t Trade Your Treasure

No one wants to wait. We want it – now, whatever it is. Often that’s the complete opposite of the way things seem to go when you desire to live your life to please God. When you’re waiting, it can seem like one of the most difficult tasks required of you.

Impatience and frustration can cause you to make the wrong choices, and lead to the worst consequences. The discomfort in waiting has compelled people to trade their treasure for a temporary relief.

We see this in Hebrews 12:16-18:

“Watch out that no one becomes involved in sexual sin or becomes careless about God as Esau did: he traded his rights as the oldest son for a single meal. And afterwards, when he wanted those rights back again, it was too late, even though he wept bitter tears of repentance. So remember, and be careful.”

This verse cautions us not to get tangled up in sexual sin or become negligent about God. Esau traded his rights as the oldest son – his inheritance to his father’s estate and a blessing like no other to be a forefather to the promised Messiah – for a single meal. Later, he cried bitter tears because it was too late, and he could never get back what he gave away.

We live in a physical world, and what we see often appears to be more important in the moment than what you have to wait for. Waiting on God to bring His promises of your fulfilled desires into your physical view can be hard. It’s an act of faith to stand firm and refuse yourself of what you know is tangible today, so that it comes as part of God’s plan and in His timing.

Today’s One Thing

Shift your perspective today from the tangible to the eternal by lifting your eyes to heaven, to those things that matter most to God. Ask God to help you keep your eyes on Him so you never miss a single part of the plan He has for you.