‘How much?’ was the first thought that emerged in my brain as I looked at the direct debit payment notification. Note to self, ‘redo the family budget, utilities up 110%.’ That was a few months ago and the shocks still keep coming.

As I write this, diesel is currently just under £2 per litre. It may be a sign of my age, but it doesn’t feel that long ago that the oil refineries were being barricaded because the price at the pump had dared to exceed £1 a litre. Suddenly, we’re asking all kinds of questions whenever we think of using the car.

It’s not just fuel though. Wherever we look prices seem to be increasing as we face one of the highest periods of inflation for decades. Rocketing costs mean the pounds we own are shedding value.

I’m reminded of something Jesus said in the Bible. He urged people not to store up treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy (Matthew 6:19). Nowadays we don’t hear too much about moths eating the clothes and we’re getting better at dealing with rust. Yet, Jesus’ point still fits with our experience. Stuff wears out; the value of money is temperamental; there is no such thing as a 100% guaranteed investment.

Or is there? Jesus gives people an alternative by urging them to store up treasures in heaven, treasures that will last, will not wear out and will never diminish in value. Treasures we receive as we seek and follow God.

One of the things I’m aware of as I write these articles is that you, the readers, will all have different opinions about Jesus and the value of his words. Are they just religious nonsense or are they worth taking note of? Do Jesus’ words here sound too good to be true, or is he on to something? If he is, would it be worth our while to do something about it? What do you think?

Hope you have a good summer, whether you’re going away or staying put. Thank you for reading this far. If you want to know more about Jesus and the difference the Bible says he can make in your life, you can contact me here.