We just finished up the Christmas season. If you watched the second Charlie Brown Christmas Special, you’ll remember that it was lamenting the commercialism of the modern Christmas celebration. It’s all about stuff.

This isn’t just a Christmas issue. The push for us to get more stuff, bigger stuff, and more expensive stuff is a staple of our culture. It’s easy to get swept up in it. As Christ-followers, it’s important to check yourself from time to time.

What is most important to you?

Are you more concerned with your TV and car or with your faith and spiritual growth? Are you more concerned that your neighbors hear about your promotion or your salvation?

Jesus tells us to treasure the gifts of God. These are things like His Word, worship, prayer, Christian fellowship and love. God has given us many gifts, including forgiveness and our salvation. That’s a big deal and should not get old to us.

Everything else will eventually disappear. The car will breakdown. The house will crumble. You will lose your job or retire. However, the things of God are eternal. His love and grace will not end. His Word will always be effective. His sacraments will always bring faith and forgiveness. Your neighbor’s conversion will give them eternal life.

So, let’s take a few minutes for a gut check. Where do you spend your time, money, and resources? What do you center your life around?

Are there some ways you need to shift what you treasure?

Heavenly Father,

You give all good gifts, including gifts which are eternal, treasures in heaven. Help us to focus on what matters, on what is eternal and keep the worldly treasures in their proper place.

Amen.