YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NIV)
Been to the airport recently? I guess you can’t take a 6 oz. bottle of travel shampoo with you, even if there’s only a little bit left. According to TSA, here are some other things you can’t take with you: Knives, guns, dynamite, and bowling balls—apparently they count as potential weapons—all are prohibited. Cast-iron frying pans—heavy enough to be used as a club—and baseball bats or golf clubs—anything bludgeon-like stays out of the cabin (OK, those make sense). Foam toy swords—even fake weapons can cause alarms, along with pepper spray or mace, which aren’t allowed in carry-on (and are limited in checked bags), and are restricted. Large snow globes—if the liquid inside is over 3.4 oz, it’s gone—and Magic 8 Balls—the liquid inside breaks the liquid rule—are banned. Drills and power tools—TSA doesn’t want mid-flight construction projects—and screwdrivers longer than about 7 inches—tools can be considered weapons. Fireworks or flares, realistic replica explosives (again, those make sense). Strike-anywhere matches or lighter fluid—flammable materials are prohibited—all are forbidden.
Some things you can’t take with you. The same goes for when we pass away. We invest so much energy in work, possessions and accomplishments, thinking they will last forever and satisfy us. Who doesn’t have storage spaces with things we haven’t seen or used in decades?! But when we stop and think about it, it’s obvious these things cannot be carried beyond this life. True value isn’t found in what we own or the titles we earn, but in the relationships we nurture, the love we share, and the ways we reflect God’s character. When we shift our focus from temporary gains to eternal treasures, our hearts discover peace and meaning that truly last.
APPLICATION: Name one thing you’ve been holding onto (except Jesus) and let it go.
PRAYER: Lord, help me see that possessions, achievements and comfort cannot follow me beyond this life. Teach me to invest in what truly lasts. Guard my heart from chasing temporary things, and fill me with peace, trusting that Your presence is the greatest treasure I can carry. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?