Jesus counseled us not to “lay up” or accumulate earthly treasures. The trouble with earthly treasures is that they aren’t durable. They tend to decay. They are vulnerable to be broken or stolen. We can’t take them with us to the next life. Instead, Jesus urged us, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” And then, he added, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21, 3 Nephi 13:19-21). It’s not just about the disappointment of investing time and energy in something that disappears. It’s about becoming people who value eternal things.
The Savior gave the same guidance to Emma Smith in 1830. After calling her to “expound scriptures, and to exhort the church” and instructing her to dedicate time to “writing, and to learning much,” He said:
Thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.
Doctrine and Covenants 25:10
A few weeks ago, the missionaries from our congregation invited our family to give something up for Lent this year as part of our celebration of Easter. Last year, I gave up news for Lent, and it was a fantastic experience. Probably would have been even better this year. In response to their invitation, I’ve given up watching TV shows and movies for the 40 days plus Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
When one of our daughters became a missionary a few years ago, her first week of training was virtual, so our home became a Missionary Training Center. I remember instinctively curtailing a number of activities like watching TV and listening to music which wouldn’t be appropriate for missionaries. I didn’t have to do that—she had her own space in our home for the training. But I remember feeling closer to God as I adopted more of a missionary lifestyle.
President Russell M. Nelson observed:
Sometimes we speak almost casually about walking away from the world with its contention, pervasive temptations, and false philosophies. But truly doing so requires you to examine your life meticulously and regularly. As you do so, the Holy Ghost will prompt you about what is no longer needful, what is no longer worthy of your time and energy.
As you shift your focus away from worldly distractions, some things that seem important to you now will recede in priority. You will need to say no to some things, even though they may seem harmless. As you embark upon and continue this lifelong process of consecrating your life to the Lord, the changes in your perspective, feelings, and spiritual strength will amaze you!
“Spiritual Treasures,” General Conference, October 2019
Today, I will “lay aside the things of this world and seek for the things of a better.” I will create space in my life for eternal things by letting go of low-value activities.
I lied in my bed at the hotel in Rome, Italy today as I read this and thought to myself what can I put away? I thought of this trip to Rome, maybe a worldly thing, but I came here to see the Rome temple and the statues of the 12 apostles and Christ. I love the thought of putting away worldly things and focusing more on Christ. I have changed several habits recently but have a great many more to go. I gave up watching and reading the news years ago, but my work computer pushing it in my face every time I open the browser. I found that my adhd mind has a tendency to see something interesting and off it goes down the rabbit hole of “just for a second” I’ll read a little but unfortunately I’m not there for just a little.
I’m committing starting today moving forward to not letting that distract pull me into the world of earthly things. I’ll change the settings on Monday so it won’t be a temptation any more.
Thanks for your comment and presentable of doing this Paul. Your are helping many of us to put aaay the things of this world by bringing us something’s “not of this world” in these daily post. Keep up the great work my brother in Christ.
Thanks for the comment, David. I hope enjoy the rest of your time in Rome!