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 (NIV)
Minimalism is becoming very popular. People are starting to choose to live in smaller houses with fewer clothes in their closets and opting to spend their money and energy on experiences rather than possessions.
I think it’s a wonderful trend. And I hope it lasts.
I have a feeling Jesus probably likes this trend, too, based on today’s verses.
In this passage, Jesus is encouraging His followers to not focus their lives on collecting things here on earth. Money. Possessions. Position. Power.
One of His reasons is because all of our earthly treasures can be gone in a moment. Money can be stolen or can disappear overnight in the stock market. Possessions can be destroyed instantly by fire, flood, or tornado. And position and power can easily be hijacked by a change in leadership, ownership, or in an election.
Nothing on earth is stable.
Everything in Heaven is eternal.
You do not have to worry about any of your heavenly treasures disappearing. Ever.
But that isn’t the main reason Jesus gives for focusing your efforts on accumulating heavenly versus earthly treasures.
Check out the last sentence. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus is always focused on your heart. Not on your outward appearance. Not on your bank account. Not on your reputation. Not on your past. Not on your behavior.
He wants your heart. He wants it because when He has your heart, it is safe, it is loved and cared for, and it overflows with His love onto everyone around you.
And Jesus knows that your heart is ‘owned’ by whatever you value the most. He wants that to be Him and His Kingdom. Not for selfish reasons, but because that is what will last. Forever. And He wants you with Him forever.
It is so easy to get caught up in continually going after more and bigger and better and newer. But Jesus warns us in these verses that your heart—the essence of who you are—is strongly connected to your treasures—what you focus most of your time, money and energy on.
You’ve probably heard a pastor say, “Show me your day-timer and your checkbook and I’ll tell you what you value the most.”
I think that’s essentially what Jesus is saying here.
- What do you value above all else?
- What story is being told by your day-timer and checkbook?
- Where are you storing your most-valued treasures?