Luke 12:34 (KJV)
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Jesus imparts a profound revelation about human nature in this brief yet compelling verse. He unequivocally asserts that our true values and priorities are unmistakably reflected in our chosen treasures. Jesus boldly emphasizes that our hearts, emotions, desires, and identities are undeniably intertwined with our most cherished possessions and priorities. Moreover, he asserts that fixating on material possessions or worldly pursuits invariably leads to anxiety and distress. In this life, our focus determines our actions. When we prioritize earthly success and material wealth, our efforts are directed toward worldly matters. Conversely, when we prioritize God’s values, our actions reflect different priorities, with eternal rewards in Heaven. As Christians, we must discern what we consider our true treasures. While physical treasure offers only temporary benefits and poses various risks, spiritual treasure holds eternal significance and stems from our knowledge of and service to God. While we may often attribute meaning to our lives through material possessions, the loss or misplacement of something valuable prompts the realization that our relationship with the Lord is the sole enduring and fulfilling aspect. As believers, our focus should be on God, who loves and cares for us and fulfills all our needs.
The world in its current form is transient and will eventually pass away. When we draw our last breath, material wealth will hold no significance. Therefore, we must shift our focus beyond this fleeting life and set our sights on eternity. By directing our focus towards eternity, we can accumulate treasures in Heaven, and our lifestyles will reflect this unwavering perspective. Pursuing material possessions is characteristic of those who do not prioritize eternity. When we fixate on material wealth, it distracts us from our true purpose and enslaves us. However, when prioritizing heavenly treasures, we experience freedom, and our minds are resolutely fixed on reaching Heaven. Children of God should not conform to worldly values that permit divorce, polygamy, and the relentless pursuit of material possessions. The growing boldness of witchcraft and occultism within religious spheres is alarming, with some pastors even being involved. It’s disgraceful. Many prioritize materialism over their relationship with God, family, and other essential aspects of life. Jesus asked in Mark 8:36, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” In our pursuit of a fulfilling life, we must be vigilant against the influence of satan. Focusing on material wealth and other earthly desires can lead us away from God and bring destruction upon us. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-20, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” God’s mercy liberates us from the concerns of this world and redirects our attention to the reality of His boundless and everlasting Kingdom of Heaven that awaits us.
Beloved, do not conform with the world (Romans 12:2), but rather be content with what you have (1 Timothy 6:8-9). Rest assured that God knows all your needs and will abundantly supply them if your heart turns towards Him. Life on earth is temporary, and everything you accumulate here will eventually lose value. The only guaranteed and fully insured bank is the one in Heaven. Nothing on earth compares to your soul’s worth, so investing in things of eternal significance is crucial. If God is truly God, serve Him wholeheartedly and cease all partial service. You store treasure in Heaven when you make choices on earth that benefit God’s kingdom. Today, center your focus on God and surrender your heart to Him. In return, you’ll experience His unwavering trust and peace. Invest in eternal matters, for such investments are secure and offer everlasting benefits. Seek blessings that stem from God, not the transient world, for the material and temporal, will not bring security and life found in Jesus. Remember, it is always good to search yourself to ensure you are following Him as you should and have not deviated from the will and plan of God for your life.
O Lord, grant me the heart to go after things above in Jesus’ Name.