What Do I Value?

          The Mountain Message of Matthew 5-7 was called by one writer, “The Radical Teachings of Jesus.”  One radical  exhortation in found in Matthew  6:19-21.  This is a difficult passage.  Not to understand, but to apply. 

         “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.

         Treasure among the Ancients in Jesus’ day consisted of garments, grain, gold and silver. The Orientals delighted in the display of costly garments.  The parables of Jesus indicate the importance of grain, as in the rich man in Luke 12.  Silver and gold are referred to in the parable of the talents.  Possession of these commodities was an indication of affluence. 

         While to many these possessions represented security and were a sign of true wealth, Jesus presented a different and radical view.  Garments can be moth eaten.  Rats or mice can get into a granary and eat or defile it.  Gold and silver can be stolen by thieves.  These possessions are not secure.  They are temporal.  Transitory. Vulnerable. 

         It is good to understand what Jesus was both saying and not saying. Possessions are not inherently wrong. Prudent foresight in saving is not sin.  Nor is it inappropriate to enjoy the good things God has given us.

         Jesus challenges us to contemplate the state of the heart.  The heart is central.  Christianity is all about the heart.  Serving God speaks to the issue of heart.  Our work, our service, our ministry is to be heart based. 

         Motive is found in the heart of each us.  Why do we do what we do?  What is our purpose in life?  What is the object of our affection?  What is the aim of our actions?  What is the drive behind our jobs?  Is there a greater cause?  A higher calling? A deeper inducement?  A richer incentive?  A nobler mission?

         Jesus implies here and states more directly on other occasions that heavenly treasures are more valuable because they are proven to be incorruptible.  They produce results to last in both time and eternity.  They provide the true satisfaction in life.

         The world’s standard of success and wealth is often measured in money, homes, and cars.  It is displayed in expensive clothes, freedom to travel, and unfettered free time in one’s retirement years.  While none of these things are wrong,  they serve as a distraction to the true wealth.  “So is he,” Jesus says, “that lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Lk. 12:21).

         Is our heart focused on spiritual matters?  Discipleship growth?  Character development?  Stewardship commitment? Soul winning? 

         If our treasure is material, then our heart will be there.  If our treasure is spiritual,  then our heart will be there.  What do you treasure?  Where is your heart?     

 —Ken Weliever, The Preacherman