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An
Outreach Publication of the Church of Christ at
Creekwood |
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One Man's Treasure Alan
Smith commented on an unusual news story that came out
of Sydney, Australia.
Evidence suggests that a bicycle enthusiast may
have become a little obsessed with his hobby later in
life after it was reported that authorities had
discovered 435 bikes in his house after his death …
It took police seven days to remove the bikes along
with hundreds of frames, wheels and other parts from
[his] house." The bicycles that the man had collected over the years were literally stacked to the rafters in his 3-bedroom house. Some of the bicycles were bought, some were traded, and police believe many of the bicycles were stolen. I think the police were being kind when they described the man as being "a little obsessed." I'd say it was more than a little! The focus of that man's life is obvious! While you and I may be quick to say that he was ridiculous for placing so much emphasis on bicycles, STOP and THINK for a moment. Is that man really any different from those of US who put other material things at the center of OUR lives? JESUS talked about a man who was so obsessed with his "stuff" that he had to tear down his barns and build bigger barns to store it (Luke 12:13-21). But God said to him, "Fool! This night your SOUL will be required of you; then whose will those "things" be which you have provided?" (Luke 12:20). Then Jesus gave the following application: "So is he who lays up treasure for HIMSELF, and is not rich toward GOD" (Luke 12:21). Let me assure you – if the focus of your life isn't "serving God", then it really doesn't matter WHAT your focus is! Whether it's bicycles, jewelry, or a vacation home at the beach or the mountains, it's all just "clutter" that one day will be worthless. Oh, there's one more thing about that man with the bicycles. I mentioned the man's death, but I failed to tell you how he died. He died after hitting his head after falling off a bicycle! How ironic (but not that unusual) that his obsession resulted in the hastening of his death. Some obsessions result in DEATH, and whenever (or however) death comes, it means the loss of everything. Only one "obsession" results in LIFE: a SAVING RELATIONSHIP with God through Jesus Christ. Paul said, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). One may enjoy this SAVING RELATIONSHIP with God through Christ by: placing one's trust in Him (Hebrews 11:6), repenting of sin (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confessing one's faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10), being baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), AND by faithfully following Him the rest of one's life. Jesus
said, "Do NOT lay up for yourselves TREASURES
on EARTH, where moth Where's YOUR treasure? God
bless you! -- David A. Sargent / Alan Smith Church of Christ at Creekwood Alan Smith is the Author of "Thought for the Day," a daily devotional ministry of the White House (TN) church of Christ. See www.TFTD-online.com To Subscribe to "Living Water" send a blank e-mail to:
HTML version: subscribe-livingwater@lyris.dundee.net Follow this link to locate the church of Christ nearest you: www.churchsearch.org Archived issues of "Living Water" can be accessed from our website at: www.creekwoodcc.org
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