One of my favorite video sermon illustrations is by Francis Chan. Chan’s illustration is enlightening regarding our cultural focus on the here and now while ignoring eternity. Most folks work hard to build up their finances in this life, so to enjoy their “golden years” (which often turn out to be not so golden), while failing to invest in eternity.
Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV). Jesus came and died for our sins, that we might have eternal life. We can’t earn our salvation, which is a gift, but what we can do is, literally, store up treasures in heaven. Through service, sharing the Gospel, and giving toward the kingdom, our investments will be both secure and eternal.
Rock Solid Teen Center (RSTC) programming is intended to meet the needs of our youth. We feed them and offer tutoring and life-changing programs, but we also invest in the long term. We share Christ and the way to eternal life. Our mission is to encourage and help folks start a RSTC in their community, to volunteer, and financially support our ministry. It may not bring you wealth in this life, but it’s a great long-term investment. And RSTC can be a game-changer for local churches in helping you to reach young people who would not otherwise enter the doors of a church.
There’s coming a day when we will all stand before God and give an accounting of our lives (Revelation 20:12). Some folks, who have an awful lot of stuff in this life, will one day have to leave it all behind. Others, many who may appear poor in this world, will have an abundance of treasures waiting for them, treasures that they built up through years of service and giving, treasures that moths and vermin will not destroy, and where thieves will not break in and steal.
Hoping that you will have an abundance in Christ,
Mark Eastway
