Growing up in the rural southeast Arkansas, I think every gravel road had at least one dog who would come racing out of their yard to meet an oncoming car. As the car would go by the dog would run as fast as it could within inches of the front tire. Big dogs, little dogs, it didn’t matter, they had to chase their elusive dream. I have often wondered, did the dog even want to catch the wheel or was it just the chase? Either way, once a dog experienced the thrill of the chase it was difficult to break them from this dangerous habit.

Think about what people chase after, their elusive dreams… some are no better than the dog in the picture with the hubcap. For the dog, the hubcap cannot be eaten, will not keep them warm and it will not show the dog any affection. In other words, it resembles a lot of the trophies we chase in life. It’s just “stuff.” This realization came home to me four years ago when we moved. I was in my office going through 40 years of “precious work treasures”, when Mary said, “Rob, you do know your kids, and probably no one else, really wants most of this stuff. It doesn’t mean anything to them.” BAM! The thought zapped me. If no one wants these treasures…what does have value? What can be handed down that won’t be pitched in the trash one day? When you get right down to it…my treasures were like the hubcap in the picture.

Jesus spoke clearly about what we pursue…chase after. He encourages…no demands, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21 What do you desire?

The deeper question is, do you desire what He desires? Do I treasure what He treasures? Theologians can debate what the treasures in heaven will be, but I don’t care. All I know is that I will be with Him, the King of Kings, forever and He is enough.

Ponder the story of the rich young leader who came to Jesus searching for his purpose. He asked Jesus, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” The young man thought he could work or purchase what Jesus has. Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:21. Get rid of your idols and follow Him.

Do you find yourself racing out of the yard every morning trying to catch the fast-moving wheel? When you have had enough…tired of falling in the ditches of life…getting knocked down…holding your worthless hubcap, answer the door! Jesus said, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20.

Only Jesus can transform a life of worthless hubcaps to rewards in heaven. It’s a choice.