Matthew 6:20-21 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Our bank account in heaven is just as real as the one we have on earth. Many have a fortune on earth, but very little in heaven. Jesus wants us to put our money in heaven, not only because it’s wise, but because where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
If you had a million dollars tucked inside your mattress, you’d think about your mattress all the time. One lady actually did this and, while she was away, her daughter bought her a new mattress and threw the old one away. They went to three different garbage dumps, but it was never recovered. If she’d only put her money in heaven, it would still be there.
Matthew 6:31-32 So do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
As Jesus preached God’s word to the people he saw that some had worry in their eyes. Their clothes were wearing out and they had no money for food. Their little ones were hungry and the rent was coming due. Many had a list of problems that would never go away. But to all their valid concerns Jesus said, do not worry.
Jesus knew, better than others, that most of our anxiety comes from making too much of this life, and not enough of the one to come. If we could see the glory that awaits us, and that’ll be ours forever, all our fears would vaporize. The troubles of this life will soon be over, and perfect joy will take their place. If we can live in the light of this, then most of our fears will go away.
But Jesus also wants us to know that we have a heavenly Father, and whatever comes into our lives is Father-filtered. Children don’t always understand the actions of their parents, and we can’t always understand the ways of God. But Jesus knew that his Father could be trusted.
A little girl was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, and her parents were overwhelmed by the idea of losing her. They held her tightly and wept together for several minutes. But then she looked into her parents’ eyes and said, God tells us not to worry.
Christians have the same problems as everyone else, but we also have a heavenly Father. He’s honored by our trust, and will always do what is best. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7), wrote Peter.
Matthew 6:33 [S]eek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
If we pursue our own kingdom, it’ll be rather small and death will take it away. But if we pursue God’s kingdom, it’ll be grand and last forever. If we pursue our own kingdom, we’ll have nothing in the end. But if we pursue God’s kingdom, he will meet our present needs and give us eternal life. The wisest course of action, therefore, is to seek the kingdom of God above everything else.
Several years ago I was having a Bible study with my son and we came to this passage. I looked at him with surprise and said, This is all I’ve ever done. I didn’t seek a house, family, car, or anything else. All I’ve ever done is to seek first the kingdom of God, and God has taken care of the rest.
One of God’s best gifts to me was the girl of my dreams. Until my middle twenties I had almost no dating experience. But when I met Julene we were able to talk for a couple hours, without interruption, and it was magic.
She found out I was studying for ministry, and I found out she was doing ministry. She found out I was taking a class in theology, and I found out she was conversant in theology. She found out I was seeking the kingdom of God, and I found out she was seeking the kingdom of God. After two hours it was clear to me that I was speaking to the future Mrs. Houle. Seven months later we were married, and thirty years later I’d choose her all over again. If we seek first the kingdom of God, God will take care of the rest.
Reflection and Review
Why should we put treasure in heaven?
Is it realistic not to worry?
Why is it wise to seek first God’s kingdom?
Our bank account in heaven is just as real as the one we have on earth. Many have a fortune on earth, but very little in heaven. Jesus wants us to put our money in heaven, not only because it’s wise, but because where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
If you had a million dollars tucked inside your mattress, you’d think about your mattress all the time. One lady actually did this and, while she was away, her daughter bought her a new mattress and threw the old one away. They went to three different garbage dumps, but it was never recovered. If she’d only put her money in heaven, it would still be there.
Matthew 6:31-32 So do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
As Jesus preached God’s word to the people he saw that some had worry in their eyes. Their clothes were wearing out and they had no money for food. Their little ones were hungry and the rent was coming due. Many had a list of problems that would never go away. But to all their valid concerns Jesus said, do not worry.
Jesus knew, better than others, that most of our anxiety comes from making too much of this life, and not enough of the one to come. If we could see the glory that awaits us, and that’ll be ours forever, all our fears would vaporize. The troubles of this life will soon be over, and perfect joy will take their place. If we can live in the light of this, then most of our fears will go away.
But Jesus also wants us to know that we have a heavenly Father, and whatever comes into our lives is Father-filtered. Children don’t always understand the actions of their parents, and we can’t always understand the ways of God. But Jesus knew that his Father could be trusted.
A little girl was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, and her parents were overwhelmed by the idea of losing her. They held her tightly and wept together for several minutes. But then she looked into her parents’ eyes and said, God tells us not to worry.
Christians have the same problems as everyone else, but we also have a heavenly Father. He’s honored by our trust, and will always do what is best. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7), wrote Peter.
Matthew 6:33 [S]eek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
If we pursue our own kingdom, it’ll be rather small and death will take it away. But if we pursue God’s kingdom, it’ll be grand and last forever. If we pursue our own kingdom, we’ll have nothing in the end. But if we pursue God’s kingdom, he will meet our present needs and give us eternal life. The wisest course of action, therefore, is to seek the kingdom of God above everything else.
Several years ago I was having a Bible study with my son and we came to this passage. I looked at him with surprise and said, This is all I’ve ever done. I didn’t seek a house, family, car, or anything else. All I’ve ever done is to seek first the kingdom of God, and God has taken care of the rest.
One of God’s best gifts to me was the girl of my dreams. Until my middle twenties I had almost no dating experience. But when I met Julene we were able to talk for a couple hours, without interruption, and it was magic.
She found out I was studying for ministry, and I found out she was doing ministry. She found out I was taking a class in theology, and I found out she was conversant in theology. She found out I was seeking the kingdom of God, and I found out she was seeking the kingdom of God. After two hours it was clear to me that I was speaking to the future Mrs. Houle. Seven months later we were married, and thirty years later I’d choose her all over again. If we seek first the kingdom of God, God will take care of the rest.
Reflection and Review
Why should we put treasure in heaven?
Is it realistic not to worry?
Why is it wise to seek first God’s kingdom?