The Right Treasury

One of my sisters enjoys reclaiming and repurposing old things - that is, creatively giving existing things a different or new purpose. It's fascinating what she has done with with old plates, teacups,  lamps, etc. Scripture tells of the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and took "articles of the house of God ... to the house of his god, and brought the articles into the treasury of his god." (Daniel 1:2 AMP). Yes, he took what was designated as holy by God Himself, belittled them by adding them to a pile of useless things. My first thought was "how horrible" but then I considered how I do the same thing when I give my heart to worthless things of this life. In several places God tells us He wants me to love Him with all my heart, soul and might (Deuteronomy 6:4) yet I insist on loving other things more. To put it plainly, there should be nothing more at the center of who I am than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ! When that relationship is not what it should be, I'm no different than that pagan king who took what was designated as holy (my heart) and applied it to worthless things of this world. What was your first conscious thought this morning? Was it all the things you needed to get done, places you were committed to be, etc. or was it a simple "Lord, as I meet the obligations of this day and honor the commitments I have, how can I wholly devote my heart to you in it all?" I confess, my mind wanders many places ... yes, even to treasuries that hold idols of my own making. God says, "I am the Lord; that is My Name; My glory I give to no other." (Isaiah 5:8 ESV). Those who belong to Christ have one unique thing God desires most, and it is the heart. Dear Father, provide for me the grace (strength and power) to give my heart to You, The Most High God where it is safe, secure - in ... the right treasury.