By Andrew Williams
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay 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 will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Good morning fellow disciples.
In a world that is constantly bombarding us with the message to pursue wealth, status, and material possessions, it can be easy to lose sight of the eternal significance of our lives. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher purpose – one that transcends the temporary allures of this world and instead fixes our eyes on the eternal riches that can only be found in God’s kingdom.
Matthew 6:19-21 provides a stark contrast between the fleeting nature of earthly treasures and the lasting value of heavenly ones. Material possessions and worldly achievements are susceptible to decay, destruction, and theft, while the investments we make in God’s kingdom have eternal impact and remain secure. This sobering truth challenges us to reevaluate the priorities that shape our lives and the legacy we will ultimately leave behind.
Colossians 3:1-4 exhorts us to “set our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” As we cultivate an eternal perspective, we are empowered to make choices that align with God’s eternal purposes, rather than being consume d by the temporary concerns of this world. This may mean prayerfully discerning how to best use our time, talents, and resources to advance the Gospel and serve others in need.
1 John 2:15-17 warns us against the dangers of loving the world and the things in the world, for “the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life” are fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is crucial that we remain vigilant against the temptation to pursue worldly pleasures and status at the expense of eternal priorities.
Choosing to prioritize eternal matters is not easy in a culture that so often celebrates immediate gratification and material success. It requires us to intentionally shift our focus, reordering our lives around the lasting values of God’s kingdom. Yet, as we faithfully walk this path, we discover the profound joy, peace, and purpose that come from investing in that which has eternal significance. May we be a people who boldly choose to store up treasures in heaven, that our hearts may be fully aligned with the eternal purposes of our Heavenly Father.
Prayer: Father God, we confess that we so often find ourselves caught up in the pursuit of earthly pleasures and possessions, rather than keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal riches of Your kingdom. Forgive us for the times when we have allowed the temporary allures of this world to distract us from the true purpose and priority of our lives. Help us to cultivate an eternal perspective, that we may make choices that align with Your eternal purposes, rather than our own fleeting desires.
Give us the wisdom and the courage to guard our hearts against the lure of worldly temptations, and to instead invest our time, talents, and resources in that which has lasting value. May our lives be marked by a steadfast commitment to prioritizing the things that matter most in Your sight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.