How can we ensure our treasures align with God's will, unlike Rehoboam's? Scripture Snapshot “Then King Rehoboam made bronze shields in their place and committed them to the care of the commanders of the guard who protected the entrance to the royal palace.” (2 Chronicles 12:10) Rehoboam’s Misplaced Treasures • Solomon’s gold shields symbolized God-given glory and blessing. • Shishak’s raid stripped them away—a consequence of Rehoboam’s unfaithfulness (12:1–9). • Rehoboam’s solution? Bronze substitutes. From gold to bronze: outward shine, inward downgrade. • Lesson: when hearts drift, treasures lose true value and become cheap replacements. Why It Matters for Us Today • Our “shields” may be bank accounts, careers, homes, or reputations. • If they aren’t surrendered to the Lord, we risk polishing bronze while forfeiting gold. Principles for Treasuring God’s Way • Ownership: “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your own hand.” (1 Chronicles 29:14) • Stewardship: We are managers, not masters (Matthew 25:14-30). • Heart Alignment: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) • Obedience over Appearance: God values devotion more than display (1 Samuel 15:22). Guarding the Heart Behind the Treasure • “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Heart drift leads to bronze living; heart vigilance keeps treasures gold. • Regular self-check: Are my resources fueling worship or merely self-promotion? Practical Steps to Align Treasure with God’s Will • Budget with prayer first, numbers second. • Tithe and give generously—training the heart to release, not clutch (Malachi 3:10). • Invest time and money in gospel work: missions, local church, mercy ministries. • Live below your means; simplicity frees resources for eternal impact. • Celebrate God’s provision publicly, reminding others that He is the Source. • Review possessions annually: keep, give, or sell for kingdom purposes. Living as Stewards, Not Owners “Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited or to put their hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in God…to be rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19) • Hope placed in wealth is fragile; hope placed in God is secure. • Generosity transforms temporary assets into eternal deposits. Eternal Rewards over Temporary Bling • “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) • At the judgment seat, “the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.” (1 Corinthians 3:13) • Gold endures; bronze burns up. Live for what lasts. Walking Away with Gold When our hearts stay loyal, our treasures—money, talents, influence—shine with God’s glory rather than our own. Rehoboam settled for bronze; we can choose the enduring gold of obedience, generosity, and eternal investment. |
    |