Have you ever been robbed? I have. Numerous times.

The first time was as a kid when someone stole my bicycle. Fortunately for me, the thief took it after a light snowfall and left a track to follow so I was able to retrieve it. As an adult, I’ve had houses I lived in broken into and robbed three times and my vehicles broken into and robbed at least four times.

Apart from a sense of violation, particularly when a thief has been in my house going through my belongings, the memories of these robberies still serve as reminders of several important things.

The first is to be grateful that only things were taken and not lives. Things can be replaced but people can’t.

Another thing I’m reminded of is not to have temporal values. When things are taken, it is an opportunity to question my sense of value about them. My response to losing things shows me where my real values lie.

The final reminder is Jesus’ words, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20).

Compared to eternity we are really not on this earth for very long. As James wrote, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone” (James 4:14). Although life is short it is still significant because it provides us with an opportunity, as Jesus said, to store up treasures in heaven.

Someone once said, “You can’t take it with you but you can send it on ahead!” Of course, they were referring to making investments that reap eternal dividends. One way we store treasures in heaven is by investing in teaching the Word of God and seeing lives changed by the Spirit of God.

Here’s what Dianna wrote about the teaching of God’s Word and its impact on her life.

At the age of 56 my life seemed to be falling apart around me and I began seeking the Lord…. I wondered if there really could be a God I could cast my cares on who would love me and shoulder my burdens. I wanted answers and teaching and then I found Insight for Living on the radio…and began listening every day on my morning commute to work…. In April, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour at the invitation of Chuck Swindoll right in my car in my parking lot at work! Praise the Lord for Chuck Swindoll and his passionate teaching!

When you send support to Insight for Living Canada this month, you are wisely stewarding the resources God has entrusted to you because you are using them to reap eternal dividends. Through this ministry your resources are used to teach God’s Word, which the Spirit of God uses to impact and transform lives like Dianna’s. The benefit to you is treasure in heaven.

I’m reminded of the words of martyred missionary Jim Elliot whenever I wonder about whether I should give to a ministry like Insight for Living Canada, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Giving to change lives through the teaching of God’s Word is something thieves can never steal.

Grateful for you,

Steve Johnson

Executive Director

PS Send your gift to Insight for Living Canada today and make an eternal investment that can never be stolen.