The Tin with the Loose Lid
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
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.
Matthew 6:19-21 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
Owen kept his favorite things in a little tin. There was a smooth stone, a red marble, and a paper ticket from the zoo. He liked taking them out and lining them up.
One day his little cousin wanted to sit beside him. Owen pulled the tin away so quickly that the lid fell off. The marble rolled under the chair. His cousin's smile disappeared.
Mom helped Owen find the marble. Then she reminded him that a cousin was worth more than a collection. Owen still put his treasures away carefully, but he made room for his cousin and brought out a game they could share. Jesus teaches us to think about what we treasure. It is good to care for our things. It is better to love the people God places beside us.
A small step for today
Favourite things can break or wear out. It is fine to enjoy them, but they should not become the most important part of life. Be generous, care for people, and listen to God's word. Jesus teaches us to think about treasure that lasts. Your heart follows what you keep treating as most valuable.
For the grown-up reading along
Jesus contrasts earthly treasure, which can be lost, with treasure in heaven. He warns that what we treasure draws the direction of our hearts.
Read the KJV passage aloud. Explain unfamiliar words in ordinary language without changing the quotation.
Read further: Matthew 6 in the King James Bible.