Sacrificial Summit Prayers of Ascent - Day #9

Matthew 6:19-21 – “19 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 moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

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Jesus is teaching on money.  Contrary to public opinion, he talked a lot about it.  I think he new that money was the #1 obstacle to following God.  He went on to say later in this passage that you can’t serve God and Money, either you will hate the one and love the other or love the one and hate the other.  He was talking in such basic terms that it’s almost impossible to misunderstand his intent.  An uneducated peasant could pick up what he was laying down.  Your money and your heart parallel each other.

The Touchpoints in this passage are simple…

#1 – In a world that loves to accumulate stuff, Jesus seems to discourage it.  The amenities of this earth don’t seem to drive him much.

#2 – No matter how cool something is, you just gotta get real about its expiration date.

#3 – Jesus is trying to get people to think about leveraging their possessions and provisions for that with lasting value.  Invest in what matters for eternity.

#4 – In a simple phrase he says in effect: “Your worship follows your wallet.”

#5 – Your heart follows your money…not the other way around.  You can love something and still never give, but you can’t give to something without love tagging along.  We, as creatures, follow our actions, not our feelings.   

It’s not an oversimplification to say that the action of giving is directly related to where your heart is really at.  If you’ve ever wondered where your heart is at…check you bank statement or credit card purchases.   That path will lead to the throne of worship.   Your heart is where treasure is.  Your heart is not where you wish your treasure was…it is where it is. 

Our hearts follow our money. 

“Jesus…give us the courage to put your kingdom first.  If our worship follows our wallets, let us get our wallets out in front of our hearts so that our priorities align with that of yours.  You made us…you gave us your Word so that we could understand the mechanics of the human heart…and we believe you know what you’re talking about.  Help us to trust you, Lord.  It’s so very hard for us to do, but we long to.  Thank you for loving us enough to to tell us the truth.  It’s hard to find good friends like that…and you’re a good friend.”