Where Is Your Treasure? A Reflection on Matthew 6:19-21
It’s been a while since I shared my thoughts from the pulpit, but today, I want to revisit a sermon I preached back in 2011. This time, I've refreshed and expanded on the message, focusing on a critical question: Where is your treasure?
The Heart of the Matter: Matthew 6:19-21
Let’s begin with a familiar passage from the Sermon on the Mount:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust 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)
These verses challenge us to consider the nature of our treasures. Are we investing in earthly possessions that will fade away, or are we focusing on treasures that hold eternal significance?
The Parable of the Talents
In Matthew 25, the Parable of the Talents illustrates our responsibility as stewards of God’s gifts. We are called to multiply what God has given us for His glory. This raises a crucial question: Do we recognize that all our resources belong to God?
The Call to Stewardship
Stewardship is about being faithful with what we have. As Luke 16:10 states:
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
Our actions, both big and small, reflect our faithfulness. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, we are reminded that we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of our stewardship.
The Futility of Earthly Treasures
Reflecting on earthly treasures, we can easily see their transient nature. Moths, rust, and thieves are constant reminders of the vulnerability of our material possessions. Here are some key points to consider:
Material Wealth: Money, cars, homes, and possessions can provide temporary happiness but ultimately cannot be taken with us.
Identity and Reputation: Our status and how others perceive us can sometimes lead us to seek validation through earthly means, which can be fleeting.
Hypocrisy: Are we living authentically, or are we merely playing a role to impress others?
The Second Law of Thermodynamics
Interestingly, the second law of thermodynamics states that disorder tends to increase over time. This principle can be seen in our lives as well. Without intentionality, our earthly treasures will deteriorate, and our focus can shift away from what truly matters.
Treasures in Heaven: How to Invest Wisely
So, how do we lay up treasures in heaven? Here are some practical steps:
Honor God with Your Wealth: As Proverbs 3:9-10 suggests, honoring God with our resources is vital.
Be Generous: 1 Timothy 6:17-19 encourages us to be rich in good works and generous in sharing.
Invest in Relationships: Building godly relationships and investing in others is a way to lay up treasures in heaven. Our children, for instance, are a significant part of this investment.
The Importance of Connection
Recently, I’ve noticed how the pandemic has changed our interactions. In a world where eye contact has become rare, I took the opportunity to engage with those around me while waiting in line at the grocery store. I struck up conversations with older individuals, and their gratitude for the simple act of chatting reminded me that many people crave connection.
This experience reinforced the idea that we can lay up treasures in heaven by truly relating to others. Here are some ways to foster those connections:
Take Time to Talk: Don’t underestimate the power of a simple conversation. A few kind words can uplift someone’s day.
Be Present: Make an effort to look people in the eye and engage with them; it shows that you value them as individuals.
Serve Others: Acts of kindness, whether small or large, can create ripples of goodwill and build lasting relationships.
The Importance of Our Children
As we reflect on laying up treasures, it’s essential to recognize our children as invaluable assets in God’s kingdom. They are like arrows in the hands of a warrior (Psalm 127:3-5), capable of making a lasting impact.
Building the Next Generation
Investing in our children’s spiritual growth through programs like Adventure Club can help teach them sound doctrine and scripture. This investment not only benefits them but also builds a foundation for future generations.
Conclusion: Shifting Our Focus
In closing, let us remember the example of Christ, who spent His life serving others rather than focusing on Himself. By shifting our focus outward and investing in relationships, we can lay up treasures in heaven.
What practical steps can you take this week to ensure your treasures are stored in heaven? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!
https://transcript.lol/read/generic/unknown/670d3047ddbb995e375ecea7
