From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

January 29
Where is Your Treasure?

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 18:1-6 | Exodus 7:2-9:35 | Matthew 19:13-30 |
Proverbs 6:1-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 19:13-30

“If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21 NIV)

Where is your heart’s treasure? Is it found in the things you possess here on the earth? Or is your treasure found in heaven?

It is a crucial question in a materialistic age. Many find security in money and possessions. Christ calls us to abandon our misplaced security and trust him to provide all we need for this life and the next.

For the rich young man, his misplaced security in possessions became his stumbling block—the ultimate test of whether he could really trust Christ. Many have found their possessions to be a similar stumbling block.

Do we really live our lives in pursuit of the kingdom? Do we really live with an eternal perspective? The way we handle our money and possessions is a key answer to the question.

Paul gives advice on handling worldly wealth with an eternal perspective:

“Command those who are rich in this present world, not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19 TNIV)

Don’t walk away trusting your possessions to bring life’s meaning and security. Put your hope in God and lay up treasures for yourselves in the age to come.