Matthew 6:19-34

Treasures in Heaven vs. Treasures on Earth

What is most valuable to you? Is it a physical possession like a car, house, or boat? Is it a relationship with a spouse, child, or friend? Is it a career? What do all those things have in common? They will all, with time, disappear. We change houses and sell cars. We even (unfortunately) change spouses. Our children grow up and move away to start their own families. We leave or get asked to leave our jobs and we change careers. All the things of this world that bring us peace, happiness, security, and achievement go away with time, all of them. Nothing we can ever achieve in this world will go with us when we die. We leave everything we ever gained in this world here when we move on to eternity. Sometime the things we gather and that are important to us are taken away from us. Things get stolen and tragedy takes our loved ones and possessions away occasionally.

Jesus tells us this in verse 19. He tells us not to base our happiness in earthly things but instead store up treasure in Heaven. In other words do the Will of the Father. If we spend time investing in our eternal bank account no one will ever be able to take those things away.

Jesus tells us though that we must do one or the other. We can’t invest our time and energy in the things of this world and give God the leftovers. We cannot spend the day wasting our energy and mumble a three minute prayer to God as we fall asleep. Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” He tells us we cannot serve both God and money. If you try you will end up being consumed by one and hating the other.

Do Not Worry

“But what about all the bills and responsibilities I have?” you might ask. I have to work hard to meet my responsibilities just like the next person. The difference, the big difference, which Jesus has made in my life, is that I have read the next 9 verses and I try to have faith and trust that the words He spoke here are true. Jesus tells us that God is in control of ALL THINGS. He takes care of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. Let me ask you this, have you ever seen a bird freaking out because his bank account was too low? Have you ever seen a bird racing from obligation to obligation? What is the first thing that a bird does in the morning? He sings. He wakes up singing to the creator that made him. Then he goes about his day being provided for by God.

We must approach the day the same as the little bird. Wake up and thank God for giving you another day of life here on earth. Maybe sing to Him. Praise Him before you go about your day. Then have confidence in Him to provide for you. Since relying on God for my safety and security I have never been let down. He has always come through for me providing exactly what I need at the right time AS LONG AS I TRUST IN HIM ANS SEEK HIS WILL IN ALL THAT I DO. Jesus says seek God first and everything will be provided for you.

Some of the happiest people I have ever met where the ones in a foreign country that were basically living in squalor but rich beyond measure in their love for and faith in God. Why do we in the land of plenty seem so miserable? Why are we going to doctors with stress and cardiovascular issues? Why do we need pills to calm us? Why do we need pills to help us fall asleep? Why must we be medicated to be happy in a country that has more than most of the rest of the world? Too often it is because we are trying to serve two masters. Jesus warns us, will we listen to His warning?

Have a great day.

God bless.