Written by Catalyst volunteer, my friend Lloyd Schulze, following the Brooks Project in Cornelius:
“I woke up about 2:30 am with my back and legs quietly talking to me about yesterday. I remembered some of the comments we made while building the cabinet in Cornelius. I wondered to myself, did we think for a moment that we were laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven? I hadn’t thought about that scripture till that moment. I’m sure none of us thought about that – we were just enjoying each other as we did our job. Perhaps a reminder that the projects are a twofold blessing would be good for the group. Twofold, one we can see while we are doing it, the other a promise we may forget because caring for the needy comes naturally to Jesus people.
Example: When we got to the project, it was raining. The sun was shining but we didn’t see it because it rained all day. In the hustle and bustle and noise of the job, one could hear comments like “I’ll sure feel this tomorrow” or, “Soak it out in the hot tub.” We joked about not getting paid for the last job we did for Catalyst. Perhaps the time keeper lost our time cards. Would we get time and one half pay for weekend work?
We worked and ate lunch and had fun in our toil as we enjoyed working together. Someone was there among the workers keeping time, but we didn’t notice because we were busy helping someone in need. No one thought about laying up treasure in heaven as we worked and enjoyed each other’s company. The kingdom of heaven is right living, peace of mind, and joy. Did I mention the word “enjoy”? Yes, the Son was shining as we worked, but we didn’t see Him!”
Good words, Lloyd, thanks for the reminder!
Matthew 6:19-21 – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.”
