WHAT I LEARNED FROM THE RANSACKING OF MY HOME

Last week, I returned from a four day trip out of town (my wife was in SoCal) to find that my home had been ransacked. The burglars broke in through the kitchen window. Every piece of clothing was pulled out of the closets. Drawers were dumped upside down. Things were pulled over. The house was a complete mess. A few things were taken, including our LCD television, but nothing we valued was gone.

I was pondering what the burglars thought as they went through our "valuables." What did they learn about us and what was important to us? They must have been frustrated by all the family photos they found, all the ribbons and medals and other awards given to our kids. I wonder what they though about the multitude of Christian books, Bibles and literature focused on our faith?

They must have been frustrated that we didn't have diamonds and gold and guns and high-priced electronics filling the house. There was no cash hoarded anywhere - if there was we would have taken it long ago.

The burglars didn't take the things that make a house a home, the sentimental items such as family dishes, knick knacks, photos and various memorabilia. Thus, while the chaos had to be re-organized, the house was still a home and the things missing remind us of how little value there is in material things, but how priceless is the value of our family, our relationships, our minds and hearts and the things that really give meaning to our lives and our faith.

Jesus said that we are not to invest in things that are subject to being stolen or rusting or destroyed by moths. Instead, our treasure is to be in the eternal things that will outlast this world. The human soul is at the top of that list. What will a burglar find who breaks into your home?