April 27, 2026

A TOY OR A TREASURE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.”

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Years ago, I saw a bumper sticker on a red sports car that said, “He who dies with the most toys wins!” I remember thinking to myself, “He who dies with the most toys... is still dead.”

If we live only for the accumulation of "stuff," we are living as if this life is all there is. But when we live with an eternal perspective, our motivations completely shift. Paul understood this. He didn't point to his accomplishments or his status; he pointed to the people he loved.

Here are three things to consider about your eternal legacy:

1. People are the Only Permanent Investment  

Paul tells the Thessalonians that they are his "proud reward and crown" before the Lord. In eternity, it won’t be the trophies we won, the wealth we accumulated, or the toys we collected that bring us joy. It will be the people we touched and impacted for the Kingdom of God. Relationships are the only thing we can actually "take with us" into heaven.

2. The "Who" is More Important than the "What"  

Take a moment to look at your daily schedule. How much of your time, talent, and treasure is being used to impact other people? If you were to stand before God tonight, would there be anyone standing there with you because you took the time to share the love of Christ with them? Our greatest witness isn't what we own, but who we've served.

3. The Necessity of a Priority Shift  

It isn't wrong to have "toys" or enjoy the fruits of your labor, but it is dangerous to let them become your primary focus. If our resources are always spent on ourselves, we need a priority shift. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you evaluate your life. Are you building a temporary kingdom here on earth, or are you investing in an eternal one?

Today’s Reflection

• Audit: Look at your bank statement or your calendar from the last month. Do they reflect an investment in people or an accumulation of things?

• Impact: Who is one person in your life right now that you could "touch" with the love of God this week?

• Shift: What is one "toy" or distraction you can set aside to make more room for a relationship that has eternal significance?

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, show me where I need a mental shift. Help me to see the people in my world the way You see them. Teach me to use the time, talent, and treasure You’ve given me to impact others for Your Kingdom, so that I may one day stand before You with a "crown" of lives transformed by Your grace. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”