Each week, a member of the Grace Downtown congregation contributes their reflection on or response to that Sunday's sermon. This week, Nancy Doyle shares her reaction to Mike's sermon on the economics of God's kingdom. When our heart lies to us and tells us to treasure Earthly things—and it will—we are to defend by pausing and reflecting upon God’s nature, his promises and victory. We learned as a congregation today about the importance of that eternal perspective. Pastor Park reminds us that while he doesn’t know what our future holds, temptation and adversity likely await all of us: We live in one of the richest regions in one of the wealthiest nations on earth, but it is also a region where many children are hungry, sexually abused, or waiting for stable foster care or adoption. Before the sermon, Jordana shared a story that reminded us of how fragile our health can be». I read recently that almost one out of every three people will have cancer in their lifetimes. Yet even in the midst of all of this, God will give us everything we need. I like that Pastor Park sagely challenged us as to why one could not have two masters. Why couldn’t one serve both? That is a great question because, day-in and day-out, I think I entertain that question too often. The first, best reason, is: the Bible says only one can only have one master. In practice, it is true, isn’t it? Can you think of anyone who really seems to be serving two masters, focusing on earthly treasures yet serving God? I can’t. I have known someone who was dying, someone who was very hard to support and to show God's love to, in part because of that relative’s focus on earthly treasures. He knew he was near the end of his life, and his greatest concern remained things he could no longer see or touch and could only, through directions to other family members, control. It was frightening. I thought of this person during the sermon, when Pastor Park observed that he saw a bumper sticker that said, “He who has the most things when he dies, dies.” His sermon on Mathew 6.19-34 was, for me, a warning about how strong the pull of earthly treasures can be. I pray in full confidence that God will protect me from such a fate.

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