“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
In a way, Jesus buried the lead in this section. He gives needed advice (commands) on how we must not think our treasure is earthly things, how our treasure is God. It’s only two verses later when He says why. That’s ok, though, because it makes an excellent point.
What do you really value?
Now, I’m a selfish guy. I just am. I want my office set up the way I WANT. I want to do things I WANT to do. I WANT my way. You get the picture. It’s a fact, and an ugly one. Much as I believe in Jesus, I screw it up. My old Adam still wants time to stare at himself in the mirror. He sees a great guy there, not a chubby, middle-aged sinner who might not look so fantastic to others. My old Adam has a LOT of treasure here (most of it currently cluttering my home office). Years after giving my life over to Jesus, my daily struggle is still that my old Adam tries to control me in everything I think, say, and do.
Sound familiar? Does your man or woman in the mirror attack you in a never-ending “Battle of Selfish?” It’s a battle we each have to fight and we each have to win it every day or it will control our hearts forever. If it wins, our self is where our heart is. If we spend all our time focusing on ‘me’ then that’s what we value most. Would you want someone to carve, “they loved themselves most” on your tombstone? I wouldn’t either.
So, let’s go back to that lead that Jesus buried. Where our treasure is, our heart will be. Let’s use some time today to help others, to give others’ credit, to build up others, to go over and above because it’s what God wants us to do. Let’s use our time to build up the only lasting treasure there is: love from the Father. Let’s put our hearts there and use our time to do the kinds of things He asks us to do: to serve, to show mercy, to forgive seven times seventy-seven times, to repent. Let’s give without expectation of reward, knowing that the Lord is watching and He is pleased when we live selfless, believing lives. When we do that, it won’t take long to realize that our heart is now set on Him and what matters most. Your office might still be cluttered, but maybe you’ll see blessings instead of your stuff.
For more reading: Luke 12:34, Matthew 6:22
Show me today, Father, where I can serve You by serving others.
Practical Proverbs 