“'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 NKJV
We're just over a week into the new year and my social media feeds have been filled with claims and statements that people hope to attain in 2020. Some statements proclaim acquiring a new skill, better health (physical and mental), or even more fiscal wealth. In fact, I've personally seen proclamations about wealth more than anything else.
Let's be clear. I'm not going to tell you to not be fiscally responsible. If you know you're underpaid at work, advocate for a raise. If you have gifts and talents that can be marketable, leverage them for God's glory and your bottom line. Money itself is not evil. In fact the Bible records, “for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil," (1 Timothy 6:10a NKJV), which is why Jesus was concerned with the condition of our hearts in Matthew 6.
As you embark on achieving your goals this year be sure to keep your heart focused on the right things. While we're on this earth, we're supposed to love the Lord our God first, and love our neighbor as ourselves second (Matthew 22:37-39). Focusing on material things are futile because they inevitably rot, come to ruin, and we can't take them with us. Things that are eternal like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness (a.k.a. fruit of the spirit, Galatians 5:22 ESV) should be the things we strive to attain this year. After all, we will be known and recognized by God based on our fruit, not our bank accounts.(Matthew 7:20).
Reflection
What treasures are stored in my heart? How can I ensure my heart is focused on things eternal? In what ways can I grow the manifestation of the fruit of the spirit in my life?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for treasure. Forgive me for focusing more on material wealth than the content of my character. Help me reflect the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness to all. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Photo by Lena De Fanti on Unsplash
Comments