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

 There are two graves in Cairo, Egypt.  One is off the beaten path, dusty and littered with debris, while the other is filled with unimaginable wealth.  One man had invested in eternity and the other had not.

William Borden was the oldest son and heir to the Borden Dairy Company.  He was a man of exception intelligence, character and love for Jesus Christ.  As a young man, he had enjoyed all the benefits of a wealthy home, fine schools, travel, many friends, but his main ambition was to serve the Lord.  After graduating from Yale and seminary, he felt God calling him to the Muslim people of China.  While studying John 21 with a missionary friend, they came to verse 15, “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me more than these?” It was a question William had wrestled with time and time again.  Should he leave his parents and the security of a large fortune and go to a faraway country?  He had given large amounts of his wealth to the poor and missions, but God was still calling him.  So, he made the decision to GO!

On the way to China, he stopped in Cairo to study the language.  Within four months, he contracted cerebral meningitis and went home to be with his Savior.  He was only 25 years old!  Was it worth it?  YES!  Because of his example, many young people left their homes in America to serve the Lord among the nations.  On the fly leaf of his Bible are the words, “No reserves, no retreat, no regrets.”  On his tombstone are the words, “Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation for such a life,” and the verse from Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Across town in the Egyptian National Museum is another grave, this one is the King Tut Exhibit.  The boy king was only 17 years old when he died and his tomb was filled with many tons of gold and treasures of every kind.  He lay in a gold coffin, surrounded by gold shrines, jewelry, statues and a solid gold chariot. The Egyptians believed in an afterlife where he would need his worldly goods.  Tragically, he realized too late, that he couldn’t take his wealth with him, death was the end!  All his treasures stayed right there until they were discovered in 1922, 3000 years later!

William Borden, instead of leaving his treasures behind, sent them on ahead.  He finished the race God set out for him and received:  “Well done good and faithful servant.”  Death was gain!  Where are your treasures?  Are you clinging tightly to your earthly possessions and living only for this life?  What would you like written on your tombstone?  What kind of legacy do you want to leave your children?  Live a life that counts!  Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven!  “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”  Mark 8:36….. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Your friend, Jean