The True Meaning of Layaway
As a former Florida State Senator and practicing attorney, I’ve had my fair share of experiences that have shaped my perspective on life. One such experience that stands out in my mind is when I first learned the term “layaway.”
A Childhood Lesson
I remember it like it was yesterday. My mother took me to town to shop for something we really wanted. We lived in the countryside, so going to town was a big deal. We went to the top floor of the store, picked out our purchase, and my mother pulled out her charge plate to pay for it. But instead of taking the item home, the sales clerk put it under the counter. I was confused, so my mother explained that “layaway” meant we couldn’t afford to pay for it upfront, so the store would store it away until it was paid for in full.
A Different Era
Fast-forward to today, and it’s a completely different story. I was flipping through the Sunday newspaper and saw page after page of ads offering “no interest for a year” or “no payments until next year.” It seems like now you can take immediate possession of what you want and pay for it later. But is this really a good thing? It’s no wonder people are spending more than they earn and banks are struggling financially.
Heavenly Treasures
The Bible offers a different definition of layaway. Jesus teaches us not to store up treasures on earth, where they can be destroyed or stolen, but to store up treasures in heaven, where they have real value. He reminds us that where our treasure is, our heart will be also. This is the true meaning of layaway.
What Are Your Treasures?
So, what are your treasures? Are they the things of this world or the things of heaven? Take a moment to reflect on what’s truly important to you. Are you storing up treasures that will last a lifetime or ones that will fade away?
A Call to Reflection
In a world that encourages instant gratification, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of consumption. But Jesus’ words offer a timely reminder to focus on what truly matters. So, take a step back, reassess your priorities, and ask yourself: what are you really storing up for?
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