Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Where is your treasure? That is a vitally important question to answer!
According to Jesus you have two choices. Earth or heaven. The choice is yours.
Really, Jesus is talking about the economy. Turn on the news and you can be sure to hear something about the economy within a matter of minutes. The economy is a big deal. Why? Because it affects our lives. Job figures, unemployment, interest rates, inflation; it all has impact upon our lives.
But hear the Words of Jesus on the economy. He says there are actually two parallel economies at work here. One is an earthly economy. It is prone to difficulties like downturns, job losses, currency crises, recession, even criminal acts.
That is because the earthly economy, whilst important, is finite. It is limited. In other words, money is spent. Jobs come to an end. Businesses die. Prospect disappear. Nothing is certain, nothing is truly secure.
But there is a parallel economy. It is the heavenly economy.
This economy doesn’t get the media coverage the earthly economy gets, but don’t be fooled into thinking it doesn’t matter. According to Jesus, this is THE economy that matters!
He says, you have a choice – to invest in an economy that is limited, finite, and prone to downturns, losses and even destruction OR you can invest in an economy that is eternal, infinite and will NEVER suffer a downturn, recession or collapse.
Now, if you look at that logically, which would we choose? It shouldn’t even be close.
But I hear you say, “but I’ve got to put food on the table, and pay the bills and the rent”. This is try true and whilst we’re on this earth we can’t opt out of the earthly economy. So, how do we apply this then?
Jesus tells us that the key here is what we “treasure” (verse 21), that is, where our treasure is where our heart will be also.
What He is saying is this – which economy do you TREASURE? Which do you most value and cherish? Which do you concern yourself with most? Which of these two economies is your heart drawn towards?
This is important because the direction of your heart determines the direction of your life (see also Prov 27:19, Prov 4:23)
If you are treasuring the here and now, that’s where your life is headed. But if you are treasuring the eternal Kingdom of God and the heavenly economy, then not only are you investing in an unshakeable, everlasting economy, your life is headed in that direction also.
PRAYER: Lord, I ask you to show me which economy I am valuing the most. I want my heart to be with you, and I ask you to search me and convict of areas where I haven’t trusted you with it. Forgive me and I ask for the grace I need to make the changes you ask of me. Thank you for your provision in every area of my life. Amen