What A Waste!

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

It sits as a high rise building in Public Square in downtown Cleveland, about 30 miles from here.  It is called the Society for Savings Building, also known as the Society Corp Building.  Often considered to be the first modern skyscraper in Cleveland, it is a lovely building of Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance architectural styles.  But the story behind the building is the real story of the building.

Built in 1889, much of the money that this magnificent building was constructed from came from accounts of poor people who never claimed their money before they died.  Now, two years ago I went through the process of probate in Cleveland for my brother’s estate, and I learned it is not the easiest thing to do.  But to have funds available and live in poverty is sad.  In Cleveland, no one even made any effort to claim these funds.  So, after waiting years for someone to claim them, the bank directors finally turned the unclaimed money over to the building of The Society of Savings, and that’s right, the Society of Savings Building was constructed. 

And now this lovely building stands as a stark reminder of a profound truth for us.  As Christ followers, we have received so many precious promises.  Promises of an abundant life filled with joy, hope, and peace.  But sadly, many of us have those rich promises hidden away, never claiming them or applying them to our life.  Many believers live poor miserable lives filled with regret, remorse, fear, and apprehension.  They live a very poor life, even though it is a life in Christ, because they have never claimed the riches He has for them.  They never seek the blessings and promises they need to live a life of true abundance. 

We talk much about Christ’s death on the cross for our sins.  And so, we should.  It is what has given us the forgiveness and salvation we so desperately need.  But let us not forget that our Lord is resurrected.  I Peter 1:3 reads, “he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”  How much time and energy do we focus on the truth that our Lord and Savior was risen from the dead, and his resurrection is all powerful in our lives – today? 

Let us remember that though once poor, we now have an abundance of Christ’s riches and treasures deposited in our never-ending account of life.  An account that is filled with everything we will ever need or desire.  What a waste, for all that spiritual wealth to be there and we never use it.  Claim what Christ has given you! 

                                                        Darlene