Treasures that Matter

Keys for Kids Daily Devotional for December 8, 2007
TITLE: Treasures that Matter
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 6:6-12
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"What's the matter, honey?" asked Mom when Christy came into the house. "Your sad face tells me something is not right."
Christy's words came in a rush. "Mom, Abby's always bragging about her jewelry and clothes and all the places she gets to go and how much money she has. Sometimes she even goes to get her hair and nails done. I'm so tired of hearing about it."
Mom looked thoughtful. "You're not jealous, are you?" she asked. Christy blushed a little. "Christy," said Mom after a moment, "I'm going to give you two gifts."
"Really?" asked Christy in surprise. "I have a feeling there's a catch to this."
Mom smiled. "Well, here's the first gift," she said. Reaching out, she pulled Christy to her and gave her a big hug. "I love you, love you, love you," Mom told her, using a favorite family phrase.
"Love you, too," replied Christy as Mom went to get her purse, "and I still think there's a catch."
Mom grinned, opened her purse, and handed Christy some money. "Here's your second gift."
"O-h-h-h!" squealed Christy. "I hear the ice cream truck coming. May I spend this for ice cream?" Mom nodded, and Christy hurried out, forgetting to look for a catch.
When Christy was ready for bed that evening, she went to tell her parents goodnight. "What do you have left of the two gifts I gave you?" asked Mom.
"Well, the money is all gone, and so is the ice cream I bought-unless it made me a little fatter," said Christy. She laughed as she hugged her mother. "But I still have your love, and you're not getting it back!"
Mom smiled. "You'll always have it, honey," she said. "I gave you those two gifts because I wanted you to realize that you have treasure far more valuable than the things your friend Abby tells you about. All earthly things are like the money I gave you. They don't last. Love does. And in addition to the love of your family, you know God's love. Because you trust in Jesus, you have eternal life. It also lasts forever-so you're really a very 'rich' young lady."
MEMORY VERSE: Beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist . . . of the things he possesses. Luke 12:15
HOW ABOUT YOU? Do you care more for clothes, games, and activities than for good relationships? Be careful not to get your values mixed up! Earthly treasures are temporary-they don't last. The love of family and friends is far more important and lasting. Most wonderful and important of all is the love of God. So don't be jealous if other kids have more "stuff" than you do. Instead, thank God for all the blessings He has given you-and especially for His love and care.
THE KEY: Don't covet what other kids have