Henri Cartier-Bresson, the keen-eyed photographer who stunned the world with his black-and-white photos taken with a small camera, died this past week at the ripe age of 95. Born into a wealthy family of textile manufacturers, the young boy was surprised one day to learn that his parents were rich: their extreme frugality caused him to suppose they were poor. Conspicuous consumption was not their way; penny pinching was.

Jesus, who frequently spoke of riches, favored neither hoarding nor spending to impress the neighbors. He spoke, rather, of the danger of wealth. Riches are a threat to our souls when they occupy the focus of our attention. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Luke 12:34). What's your treasure? Whatever it is, it locates your heart, your soul.

Most of us don't consider ourselves riches by any stretch of the imagination, but I invite you to join me in considering our priority. What we treasure is number one (that's what "priority" literally means) in our lives. And what we treasure matters. It either enslaves us or frees us to love God and our neighbor.

In Christ,

Pastor Ken Smith

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