“And may the odds be ever in your favor.” – Effie Trinket, The Hunger Games

As pretty much everyone knows, The Hunger Games debuted this weekend and made a statement in the box office.

I saw the movie trailer for the first time when my volleyball team went to see Breaking Dawn in November – I must admit, the trailer looked awesome so I decided to read the books. Over Christmas Break and Spring Break I finished the series and eagerly awaited the movie’s premiere.  What captured my attention while reading was the way Suzanne Collins developed the characters…I instantly became emotionally attached. Although the overall theme is pretty dark – sending kids into an arena to fight until the death on national television for entertainment value and authoritarian control is pretty sick if you ask me – it was an interesting story line and a true tale of what it means to lay down your life for someone you love. When reading the books, nothing really stood out to me, but during the movie Friday night as I saw the Capitol citizens on the big screen I was struck by how much they epitomized what it means to collect treasures on earth.

Their ornate clothing, abundant wealth, heavy makeup and disregard for human life is completely of this world. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the books and the movie, but I definitely think we can learn a lesson from what the Capitol symbolizes.  

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus says:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

In essence, don’t be like the Capitol citizens who collect treasures that won’t last. As Christians, we’re seeking an eternal prize and our ultimate treasure isn’t of this world. Our treasure is found in the moment we our reunited with our one true love and rejoice for all eternity in the presence of our Mighty King.  Don’t get caught up in what you have or don’t have on this earth.  At the end of the day if Jesus is all you’ve got, you already have more than you’ll ever need.

A little food for thought: Where are you storing your treasures?

Happy Hunger Games,

Meredith