The Treasure That Truly Matters
If you are an employed person living in the United States, then you know that the deadline for filing taxes just passed. This particular go around felt like it was going to bleed me dry. On top of that, my laptop, that I use just about every day, crashed. I sat with my feelings for a moment as I had just recently financially tracked seemingly my entire year. Then, I came across the following scriptures:
““Do not store up for yourselves [material]treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21 AMP
““No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].”
Matthew 6:24 AMP
There’s a saying that goes: Money makes the world go ´round. To an extent, it very much does. However, saints live in a different financial system. Though we are in the world, we are not of it. We need not worry about provision (Matthew 6:24-33). Instead, we must fix our focus in investing (no pun intended) into ourselves; feeding ourselves daily with the Word of God.
Your actions, life, and character are a reflection of what is in your heart (Proverbs 27:19). Your heart is a mirror to what you hold in regard. Do you hold material wealth in higher regard than your salvation? In Matthew 19:23, Jesus makes a profound declaration:
“Jesus said to His disciples, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it is difficult for a rich man [who clings to possessions and status as security] to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man [who places his faith in wealth and status]to enter the kingdom of God.””
Matthew 19:23-24 AMP
If you have placed your faith in your income over the Lord, you have made your finances an idol and have placed the Lord’s sovereignty in a box. At times, we will be humbled and abased but praise the Lord for it! In those moments, you then have the opportunity to lean on Him and grow your faith. Watch Him move in such a way that you never could have imagined for yourself. Whether you are abased or abound, the Lord still sits on the throne (Philippians 4:11-12).
Everything that is worldly, including wealth, is temporary. The spiritual realm is eternal. If you have stored up material riches but compromised your salvation in the process, then you have gained nothing.