by Gray Blocker

With the holidays just around the corner, my heart struggles with comparison and materialism. Instead of focusing on the ultimate gift of Jesus, I spend my time making lists, spending money, and comparing whatever I buy with others around me. I love giving my kids presents and decorating my home for the holidays, but when is enough really enough? I will never be truly satisfied with the exhausting game of comparison. There will always be someone with a nicer house, better clothes, and more well-behaved kids. But when I lift eyes to Christ, the things of this world fade into the background. When I pour my time and resources into heavenly things rather than into earthly things, my relationships are healthier and more enjoyable because they’re in the proper place. My heart and mind find rest and true contentment only in Christ because my ultimate home is in heaven.

I’ve told this story multiple times, so I apologize if you’re reading it again! In 2020 my grandparents passed away, three days apart from one another. They loved Jesus more than anyone I will ever know, and they also loved to collect antique furniture. Right after their house sold, I met my mom over there one afternoon. The house was completely empty – all the furniture had been either given to family or sold in an estate sale. I cried harder than I did at their funeral because I was hit with two realities that I already knew: they really weren’t coming back, and they didn’t take anything with them. My grandparents loved filling their home with beautiful furniture, but they loved Jesus infinitely more. We all know that we won’t take a single thing with us when we finally meet Jesus, but do we live like that? Do I hold my possessions, my money, and even my family with open hands?

Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourself treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  I pray my treasure is in Jesus alone. When I see Jesus as the most beautiful and valuable thing in my life, I see the wonderful things He has given me as abundant blessings, instead of the “next best thing” to obtain.