Success in the home, treasures in heaven

Nathan eating S'mores. The fact that he is offering me some is a
testament to his love: Truly a treasure.

There once was a man that was walking through a field. He was lost in thought about the worries and demands in his life. He ventured from the path he normally took and sat on a large rock. As he sat there, he kicked a stone. To his astonishment, he discovered the rock had concealed a large gold coin. After he picked it up, he noticed it was partially covering another coin. As he started brushing the dirt away, he found more gold than he had ever seen. He thought the field must have more treasure hidden from view. He immediately got up and went to his home and sold everything he had, including his home, and purchased the field.

The Savior told that parable, albeit a shorter version, in Matt. 13:44. It was part of a series of short parables about the Kingdom of God. He was teaching his disciples that those who discover the true value of the Kingdom of Heaven, will do whatever it takes to go into it.

In proverbs we learn that the effort of those righteous will be rewarded while material gain will leave us empty.

“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.” (Proverbs 10:2)

Jesus taught it this way to Peter.

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. (Matt 16:26)

You may be thinking, ‘This is talking about personal salvation, not families.’ I would respond, that they are related. You cannot save yourself and ignore your family. Paul gave Timothy this counsel.

“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (1 Tim. 5:8)

Our greatest responsibility in this life is taking care of our family. Providing physical needs is not the only duty of parents. Parents need to provide for their children’s mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. While it isn’t always fun to discipline, correct or have patience with your children, you are earning your reward.

Sometimes we get a taste of this reward: When a mother gets to hold her newborn baby for the first time; when your three year old says, “I love you Daddy,” as you are tucking her in; or when your child learns to conquer a fear with faith. These moments are a glimmer of the reward waiting in heaven for those that put as much, or more, effort into earning heavenly treasures as they do gaining earthly riches.

Caitlyn is really enjoying her S'more too. Who knew S'mores
could be so much fun, even without a campfire.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21)

If time is money, make an investment in your family. Put your heart into it, and you will discover the greatest treasure we can have: a happy, loving family.

Next Weeks: The Value of the Family in Society