Treasure Hunter

I am a person who likes a good mystery, preferably one based in reality. The Scriptures often provide more questions than answers, especially when you consider that we are getting the information without the innate historical references that someone who lived 2,000 years ago would have. Reading a book about how to simplify my life has yielded a mystery.

We all know the scripture about storing up our treasures in Heaven, not material goods on the earth, found in Matthew 6:19-21. Good advice for not getting hung up on the things that don't last forever. Pretty basic. The next verse, Matthew 6:22, KJV, says "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." I have interpreted that verse myself in different ways, such as keeping my eyes off things that aren't pure and godly. I can't be filled with light if I am taking in darkness. Good and admiral application, but maybe I'm not right.

In his book "Freedom of Simplicity", Richard Foster puts it this way: "It refers to both a single aim in life and to a generous unselfish spirit. The two ideas have such a close connection in the Hebrew mind that they can be expressed in a single phrase. Singleness of purpose towards God and generosity of spirit are twins."

Where have you seen a single eye shining light staring at you? Do you think that maybe the founding fathers of our country were not only thinking of the All-seeing Eye of Providence when they put that eye on top of the pyramid on the Great Seal of America? Do you think they were cautioning future generations not to store up our treasures based on material wealth? Were they reminding us that our purpose towards God and our spirit of generosity should go hand in hand? That we need to glorify God through our acts of generosity? It is no accident that the Great Seal is on the back of our money, so we can be reminded of what it stands for every time we see it. I couldn't find anything to support my idea officially, but I do know that Ben Franklin and his contemporaries had strong faith and were actively seeking the Lord's blessing on our country. The words above the pyramid, which I never noticed before, say ANNUIT COEPTIS, which is Latin for "The Lord has favored our undertaking."

That's your history lesson for today, kids. Next time you are holding your money, look at the eye. To me, I will consider if what I am storing up in my life supports a singleness of spirit.