WHAT DO YOU REALLY TREASURE?
Matthew 6:19-24

We are examining the truths behind Jesus’ proclamation that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be as well.  In verse 19 of Matthew 6, Jesus identifies three sources of wealth present in His day.  First, there was clothing, which was a sign of wealth if a person had more than one change of clothes.  You might remember that Jesus had only one robe, a sign of poverty.  Now the problem with clothing is that you need to beware of the moth.  This little insect, with a voracious appetite, can make a glamorous robe worthless overnight by eating away the fibers, creating holes, or by weakening the fibers so the garment wears out more quickly.  Jesus is saying, “Don’t put your stock for success in clothing.  Don’t let your clothing become the measure of who you really are.”

Secondly, because Jesus lived in a basically agrarian culture, grain would naturally be a source of wealth.  You might remember the story that Jesus told about a foolish farmer who had lots of grain and thought he was extremely wealthy.  You will find the story in Luke 12.  Now the word, translated rust, is a Greek word that meant to eat away.  It had reference to the actions of mice and rats upon the crops, making shambles of a corn crib in a very short time.  Jesus is saying, “Don’t put your hopes for prosperity in things that nature can erode away or destroy.”

Finally, as in our day, so in Jesus’ money was a measurement of wealth.  But cash and other valuables were always susceptible to the talents of thieves.  Jesus is proclaiming, “Don’t hold tightly to things which can be here today and gone tomorrow.  Learn the lessons of Job.”

So, what are the truths we need to learn from these three powerful verses?  First, we need to understand that the things we treasure often govern our lives.  We think about them.  We make plans to obtain them.  We fret and worry about them.  And we even measure others by our standard of things.  Secondly, if what we value is on earth, then that is our focus; if what we value is in heaven, then that will be our focus.  I am reminded of these words of the Apostle Paul:  Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3).

Friends, where are those possessions you desire the most?  Are you living for what you can have down here on earth?  Or are you living in anticipation of what you will have when you get to heaven?  Where is your heart today?

Father, You have shared some very sobering thoughts with us.  Yet they are so important.  Our hearts are where our treasures are.  Sadly, for many of us, our thoughts are more earth-centered than heaven-centered because that is where our treasures are.  Help us to look heavenward and to be reminded of the blessings we have in Christ.  We will give You thanks in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

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