Beech Tree News Network

When Jesus called His followers together, He stated, “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: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:19-21). This passage demands some serious thought and examination (II Cor. 13:5). Friend, where is your treasure? If you are not sure, please read Matthew 6:19-21 again. Jesus said we will find our treasure where our heart is! Where is your heart?

    In thinking about the statement, “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” it then behooves us to ask just where our heart (affection, focus) lies. As we observe folks today, we find that some men’s hearts are wrapped up in the pleasures of this world (Lk. 8:14). At other times, men’s hearts are focused on possessions (I Tim. 6:10). Some have their hearts entwined with their family relations (Matt. 10:34-39). Remember, Christ said men’s treasure will be where their heart is.

    What is the problem with having our treasure in pleasure, possessions, families, and the like? First, it is a problem because when men focus their lives in these areas, then they are not focusing on God! Yet, the Bible says that God is to be first (Matt. 22:37). We are to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness rather than our own desires (Matt. 6:33)! If we are not doing this, then we are in sin.

    The second problem with having our treasures wrapped up in pleasures, possessions, families, and the like is because these things are not eternal, but temporary. Note the contrast in Matthew 6:20. Christ encourages treasures to be laid up where “moth and rust doth not corrupt….” Such things are not possible on this earth, but only in Heaven! Money and possessions can be lost (Lk. 15:8)! Certainly, when we die, our possessions will no longer belong to us, but will go to another (Ecc. 2:4-11, 18-21). Certainly, the same could be said about pleasures. Pleasures fade in time. As we age, the very things that gave us pleasure no longer do so! What used to be enjoyable is no longer enjoyable.

    Of course, our family will die one day as well. If our hearts are wrapped up in mortal beings, what will we do when they are gone (Ps. 90:10-12)? While on earth, our relatives can let us down and disappoint us. So, placing our heart and treasure in relatives is going to result in sorrow and disappointment! Who wants this?

    Such a list as this can be extended into other areas, but is it not better to go back and listen to the Lord? He told us to lay up our treasures in Heaven (Matt. 6:20). Make the effort to connect our hearts with things eternal. We will not be disappointed then!

    Doing this requires setting our minds or hearts on things above, not on things on this earth (Col. 3:2). Are you ready to make that change? Make the first step by becoming a Christian (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38). Do not delay. Make the effort to grow spiritually (II Pet. 2:2, 3:18). In so doing, you can lay up treasures in Heaven, where these things will not be taken away from you!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167