Matthew 6:19 – 21: "Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth . . . But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

As I reflected on this verse, I was reminded of a lunch I had several months ago with some co-workers. It went something like this: "If your house was burning and you could only retrieve one item, what would it be?" We came up with all the usual items; pictures, financial documents and, of course, the safety of any family or pets. But as we dug deeper into conversation, we asked ourselves what thing does any of us have that is truly irreplaceable . . . priceless?

As I continued to reflect on this question, my mind kept reverting back to a present given to me by my mother at my 40th birthday party. It was my Dad's putter. My father was an avid and accomplished golfer who had a scratch handicap through much of his early adulthood. When he was 10 years old, he saved his money and purchased a 1930s-era Wilson "Win-Sum" Putter. For the next 65 years, until his death in September 1998, the putter was a fixture in Dad's golf bag.

The putter is a reminder of a lot of great memories I have of playing golf with my father. We always enjoyed being together, one on one, strengthening our friendship while we played a game we both loved. The putter, however, has deeper symbolism for me than just our time playing golf. In many ways it captures the character of the man: committed, consistent, patient. Like the putter in the bag, my father was always there when needed. This gift is irreplaceable and priceless.

Several weeks ago I went to find the putter in our house. I thought it was in the downstairs closet. I then looked in the basement and the garage. Finally, after 30 minutes of searching, I found it in our bedroom closet behind some blankets and suitcases. Then it hit me. How ironic: a gift that means so much is hidden away. A gift from my father, specifically given to me, is stashed away in a closet.

We as Christians have been given a far greater gift, the gift of Jesus Christ. And each of us has been given certain talents and treasures that He has given us to use to further His kingdom. But like the putter, I often feel that I keep these gifts hidden away in a closet. How fortunate we are that our salvation is not dependent upon works or deeds.

Christ has paid the price for each of us and the battle has been won. But the evidence of our faith and love for Christ is measured in how we use the gifts / money Christ has given us. One could easily argue that the putter must not be of significant value given the fact that it was sitting in a closet. My heart knows how precious it is, but evidence of its importance is tough to find. Similarly, my love for Christ is real, but often my stewardship does not show evidence of that love. At these times, my treasure and my heart are disconnected! So how do we re-align ourselves? Perhaps it's time to clean the closet.

Chronicles 29:14 says, "Everything comes from you, and we have given only what comes from your hand." Robert Schuller writes, "God gives us what He knows will flow through us."

We must remind ourselves that everything we have . . . our time, our money, our retirement fund, education fund, house, cars, the cash card . . . they are all His. Recognize that we are the caretaker of His possessions allows us to begin clearing the clutter that has gathered in the closet. Simply put, our responsibility is to be a faithful steward of the things that are already His.

The putter is a wonderful example. It is not mine; it is and will always be my father's; I am just the caretaker. When I am able to allow Christ to take control, the clutter in my life begins to clear. The closet is clean.

Mathew 22:27 states, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."

Our treasure and heart are aligned when we surrender to the truth that Christ is the only true treasure of life.