Earthly Treasures - day 47

Earthly Treasures

By Mike Stickler

Genesis 24:52-53
When Abraham’s servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the LORD. Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother.

When the recession hit in 2008-09, did you notice that the TV airwaves began to be filled with companies encouraging you to sell them any scrap gold including jewelry?

Many ambitious entrepreneurs jumped on the declining economy bandwagon and the ensuing perceived-need for cash to make a profit. Why? Because they knew that many of us have family heirlooms, jewelry, precious stones and valuable watches tucked away in a drawer or jewelry box. They saw a convergence of the need for cash and unrecognized surplus of treasure in America.

Unrecognized, because most of us had inherited or purchased these items so long ago that they are out of style or just plain forgotten, we literally have hidden treasure boxes in our homes.

In Genesis 24, Rebekah was blessed with treasure. Why? It was because those items were often used as currency at the time.

Today, we don’t necessarily think of those items as currency. We think of them as status symbols or maybe family heirlooms; but not a way to buy and sell. We take this box to the local jewelry store or posted it on Craigslist and turned it into cash to get out of debt or buy more stuff.

But, what if we use its proceeds to support a hungry family, fix a single mom’s car or sponsor a child, instead? Imagine if you will, if every Christian in America took their box of treasures and presented it unto the Lord.

Think of the difference that could make.

Today’s Generosity Challenge:
Now I know some of you are by now screaming inside, “I can’t sell Mom’s wedding ring!” I’m not necessarily suggesting that. But maybe… I would encourage you to dig through your old valuables and allow the Holy Spirit to pick from those possessions and then use those items to bless others. Present them all to Him. And then do as He leads. Write down how God led you through this opportunity in the blog below. What were some of the items you forgot that you even had? How did the Lord use those items?

About Michael Stickler

Mike is an author, radio host, and a highly sought after motivational speaker. His best-selling book, A Journey to Generosity, is widely acclaimed throughout the Christian community. He is the publisher of Generous Living Magazine and writes for the Christian Post, 'A Generous Life' column.