Treasures require maps.
In order to find the prize, the jewels, the gold, or the silver, we need a map.  If we locate a treasure and unearth it, then there is a pretty good chance that others will learn of our treasure too.  Why is that so?
Why do we tend to proclaim from the rooftops that we have now found the treasure?
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Why do we then go into our back yard and bury that same treasure so that others will not find that which we just proclaimed?
TREASURES.

What do we possess that we treasure most?
Where have we placed that which we treasure most?
Could we survive without our treasure, if we suddenly had the treasure stripped away and were now left to survive the duration of life without that which we treasure?
Would we just lay down and die?
Would we give up and declare our life over–OR–Would we strive to take back that which was taken from us?
Would we give our last breath to seek our treasure, to gain that which we most desire?
Let me tell you a story about a man who was called by God to do a certain task.  This man struggled with his task for a variety of reasons.

• He was just as the others—a captive.
• He was just as the others—flesh and blood.
• He had no advanced training—a normal guy.
• He had a family to think of—his reputation mattered.
• He faced an impossible task—the people acted like people.
• He became discouraged—the people grumbled.

It has been said that the freest believers, the freest Christians—-Are those who depend upon others. As we depend upon others, the whole group profits.  As we rely upon the gifts of others, the whole congregation propels forward.
This story goes like this . . . .Don’t read it from my words but believe God’s Word.   Read with me.

“Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim.
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek.  Tomorrow I will station myself on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”
Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek;  and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. 
But Moses’ hands were heavy.
Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it;  and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other.
Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.
So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.”

(Exodus 17: 8-13)

As believers, we are called to certain and specific tasks, but that does not mean the said tasks will be easily accomplished.  On the contrary, oftentimes we are called to accomplish tasks that seem overwhelmingly and totally incomprehensible.

It is then that we stop talking to ourselves and begin talking to God.
It is then that we stop reasoning within ourselves and begin reading God’s Word. 
It is then we stop focusing upon today and begin focusing upon eternity.

Being interdependent is liberating. 
Relying upon God and His mighty hand is liberating.
Washing the feet of others; Loving them just as we are loved by God; Accepting others just as Christ accepted us; Bearing another’s burdens just as Christ bore the sins of the world—-We are called to serve, to help, to encourage, to assist.
And even if we are asked to stand alongside our brother and to hold up his arms all day (until the sun sets), then we are to serve him.
Life is full of battles, and our brothers and sisters-in-Christ need our compassionate assistance, not our judgment and condemnation. 
Jesus told us best but do not believe my words; believe God’s Word. 

Our life is so much more than what we can acquire.
Our life is most rich when we are interdependent. 
Our life is best lived when we are prepared to die.