Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
Matthew 6:19-21
No, this is not my favorite passage, in fact, I cringe every time I hear the first verse. It’s a difficult verse. Maybe because being a “good” and “responsible” provider these days requires diligence, constant planning, and “storing up” of material goods for those who depend on you. Our jobs, personal finances, and providing seem to constantly be on our minds and in our discussions throughout each day.
Yet, here is Jesus reminding us this is not the way to enter His Kingdom. It is passages like this that make me think I am doomed. So where is the Hope? And equally important, what is Christ trying to tell us here?
For me, the answer to both these questions lies in the last line, “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” God wants to know where our heart is! All these worldly possessions in and of themselves are not bad. Jesus is not condemning possessions. Jesus is only interested in one thing…what our hearts treasure most. One of the great spiritual truths is the fact that what we invest our treasure in determines where we invest our heart.
We need to make sure our treasure and our heart are first and foremost in Christ and His Kingdom. Whenever I do this, I can feel my life is in the proper order. I can feel I am in right relationship with my God and others, helping to bring some order and peace to this somewhat chaotic world.
Jesus said it best, “But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you”
Where is your heart?
By Dave Ludden
Retreat During Daily Life 