Thought for Today
1 Kings 10:23 Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.
Psalms 52:7 "See the one who would not take refuge in God, but trusted in abundant riches, and sought refuge in wealth!"
Matthew 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.
“The presence of the kingdom among us in the present moment means we are motivated to pursue not temporary riches but the eternal treasures of ‘righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.’” (These Days, September 25, 2025)
The author of those words was reflecting on 1 Timothy 6:6-19 and quoted Paul’s list of those eternal treasures from vs. 11. I was struck by those words this morning, because last night Greta and I attended an award presentation. Our congressman, Seth Moulton, annually presents the “Reverend Peter J. Gomes Service Award. This award is presented annually to individuals in the Sixth District who best exemplify the values of integrity, compassion, and commitment to community—the core principles that guided the life and teachings of the late Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes, a mentor and friend to Congressman Moulton.”(private email)
If you are not familiar with the life and works of Rev. Gomes, please search online. He was a very dedicated and accomplished minister and professor. He obviously influenced many lives, especially that of our congressman. Greta and I attended the ceremony because one of the honorees was the director of the First Parish Community Food Pantry. There were 6 honorees, each being honored for making a difference in their community for others in need. The accomplishments of those 6 in aiding and supporting those in need were impressive and humbling. Interestingly, 2 of the honorees were involved in combatting food insecurity in the same general community.
In all of the hullabaloo over the state of our economy, over job creation, unemployment, GDP, the strength of the dollar and all of the other, important metrics by which we measure our economy, it is easy to forget that some folks face uncertainty about their next meal. And, those 6 honorees were making a difference not only in food insecurity but also in housing insecurity and other crying needs in our world. One was involved in offering food and emotional support for veterans and their families. Another in animal rescue and another in social justice issues.
All of these endeavors were prime examples of NGOs (non-governmental organizations). All of these individuals had helped initiate a grassroots effort to help others. These were all examples of what one former President referred to as 1000 points of light, shining in the darkness to illuminate our world.
Jesus said, “Matthew 5:15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Last night those lights were blazing out in the light of that award ceremony, illuminating the darkness.
Every time we see such lights, we can remember John’s words about Jesus, “John 1:3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”
Those 6 honorees are bringing light into our world. All of those who volunteer in their organizations and all of the NGOs, all who donate time and resources to their efforts and all who support them in any way are beacons of light in a sometimes-dark world. They are storing up eternal treasures of ‘righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.
Stay safe, store up your own eternal treasures, trust God,
Pastor Ray