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. Matthew 6:19-21 WEB
In chapter six of the gospel according to Matthew, Jesus teaches the proper way to give charity, how to pray, the importance of forgiving others, and cheerfully rejecting the flesh through fasting. The Lord then stresses the importance of laying up treasure in heaven. Rather than pursuing perishable, material things, Christ urges his listeners to value and seek the eternal things of God.
Additionally, our Lord encourages the faithful to give up worrying about acquiring everyday things such as food, drink, and clothing. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “ But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. WEB” The entire chapter is compelling, stressing the gravity of serving God in place of worrying about material wealth.
Who Knows the Heart?
Holding material goods in higher esteem than God, we distance ourselves from our Creator. With our focus on gaining wealth, the heart grows cold to the needs of others. Human greed, insecurity, and separation from God tends a person to make interesting, immoral decisions. As we read in Jeremiah, 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it? WEB”
Jesus teaches us to seek God with a sincere heart. Beyond religious behaviors and mere words, God knows our inward motivation. Properly focused on God, our hearts lead us to store up treasures in heaven. This is a conscious choice between seeking God or worrying about material wealth. We either worship the Creator or foolishly worship his creation.
Follow the Lord
In chapter nineteen of Matthew, a man asks the Lord how to acquire eternal life. Jesus responded that he should keep the commandments. To find perfection Jesus Says to the man in Matthew 19:21, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the words and wisdom of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for your loving kindness in revealing the truth. Give me the things I need to live my life in your service. Guide my steps as I store my treasure in heaven. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Shall We Continue in Sin?
