He was looking for the worthwhile, and his discovery on
January 24, 1848, changed the lives of thousands.
James W. Marshall was prospecting at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma,
California, when he discovered gold. News of his find pummeled across the
country. Over the next seven years, 300,000 people made their way to
California. Half came by sea, and the other half arrived from the East by land,
using the California and Gala River trails. Although a few became wealthy, most
returned home with little more than they started with. Even more disappointing
was finding what appeared to be gold only to have the assayer declare it pyrite
or fool’s gold. It looked like gold but was worthless.
I’ve never panned for gold or bought gold certificates, but I
have been tempted to love money and the things it can buy—many of which are
worthless.
Money in and of itself is neutral. I can use it for good or
bad. I can pay my bills or throw it away by gambling. I can buy food and carry
it to a needy neighbor or buy the latest smartphone. I can save it for a rainy
day or spend it as fast as I make it. I can invest all my extra money, hoping
it will reward me with a nice retirement nest egg, or I can invest some and use
the rest to care for my family and promote God’s work worldwide.
To his son in the faith, Timothy, Paul wrote, “Teach those who are rich in this
world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable” (1
Timothy 6:17). As so many discovered after the stock market crashed
in 1929, what is here one moment can vanish the next.
We should choose to store our treasures in heaven, which is what Jesus said we should do. There, they are safe from thieves and the destructive elements of nature. When our focus is on loving and serving God through practical means, our rewards will be secure.
How can you search
for what’s worthwhile instead of spending your time on pursuits that will only
disappoint?
Prayer:
Father, focus our pursuits on things that will build us spiritually and enlarge
Your kingdom on this earth.
Tweetable: Are you looking for the worthwhile?
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