19 Ord. August 6/7, 2022

Most of you know – I like to read.  When I am asked what my hobbies are – I say woodworking, gardening, traveling (especially to any beach) AND reading. . .
I like to read historical novels – either fiction or non-fiction (after all, I WAS a social studies teacher).  And I read almost any novel that moves along pretty quickly.  I’ve never gotten into westerns – or – surprise – romance novels. . .!
In one of Arthur Conan Doyles’ novels about Sherlock Holmes called A Scandal in Bohemia, which I read many years ago – the detective Holmes is hired to find a discriminating picture of the King of Bohemia taken with a woman named Irene Adler.
The picture poses a risk of scandal for the king and Holmes is supposed to find it and destroy it.  So he - of course -  must first – find the picture.
He does this by going to Ms. Adler’s home – and then having his side-kick Professor Watson throw a smoke bomb into an open window and cry out:   FIRE!
Irene Adler exposes the hidden place of the picture by going to the place where it is kept and taking it – before she flees the building - at which point Holmes is able to grab it from her.
Asked by Watson how he knew this would work – he simply tells Watson that it is elementary.  

When a person thinks their house is on fire - they’re most likely going to rush to that which is most valuable to them–  and take it with them – as they leave the building.
Where your treasure is - there your heart shall be. . .
People will inevitably reveal what they value most — by their actions.  Irene Adler’s most valuable possession was the picture of her with the king of Bohemia, which was linked to her safety and reputation.
Other people may value money more than anything and will go to great lengths to secure and gain more riches – as we heard last week with the man building bigger barns.
For many people, their success or family is the most valued treasure of their lives, which is revealed in how they spend their time and energy.
A person’s heart is tied to what they value most in life – which is why Jesus told us last week:  “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”  And wanted us to grow rich in what matters to God – not to store up treasures for ourselves here on earth.
And this week strikes a similar chord by wanting us to “provide money bags that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.”
For Where your treasure is, there your heart will be.
So when the fires rage – as they do in California.  Or the flood waters sweep in - as they did in Kentucky.  Or when the tornado sirens go off --
Hopefully we make sure we and those we love are safe – and are not like Ms. Adler  – needing to stop and pick up some THING that is so important to us we would risk our lives over it. 
    Remember, it’s perfectly fine to have possessions – to have money in the bank to adequately prepare for our futures.  And to be content and happy.
    But we have to keep things in perspective.
Where your treasure is – there your heart shall be.
    If we view our possessions or success in life as the result of our own talent and effort – we will think of ourselves as owners of these things – and cling to them tightly – maybe even risking our lives over them.  
    People inevitably reveal what they value most by their actions – and how they spend their time and energy.
    But remember:  in reality – we are all stewards of what God has provided.  God gives us the ability to do whatever we are doing:  all of us earn our wealth and possessions with borrowed abilities.
    And we are called to be grateful – which expands our hearts – which allows us to be generous with the gifts God has given us.
    Where your treasure is – there your heart shall be.  
    All that you possess will never set you free.
    Seek the things that last – come and learn from me.
    Where your treasure is - your heart shall be.

    


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