Read: Matthew 6:19-34
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”–Matthew 6:21 (NLT)
Wealth, fame, and power— things we all strive achieving to gain our worth and identity . We work hard, putting all of our efforts for the sake of establishing our place in the society. In a world driven by unending acquisitions, we want to play the same game. We hope to win it— without thinking the cost we might pay in exchange. But the question of an individual seeking for the deeper meaning of life is this— is it really worth it?
In his book, “The Pursuit of God” A. W. Tozer explained how sin corrupted the soul of man, making the very gifts of God (creation) the potential source of ruin to the soul*. How true is this statement for all of us? We start to forget that all resources that we can acquire here on earth are meant for our sustenance and delight, not for our identity and worth. Money, fame, and positions are not meant to be become our identity. All things are from God including our identity.
When Jesus began his ministry, he taught that having a relationship with God is more important than gaining material things or earthly possessions. In His sermon in the mount, He gave this instruction, “Do not to store up treasures on earth, where moths eat and rust destroy them; but store our treasures in heaven, where moths cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal (vv.19-20). Furthermore, He told this most striking truth, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be (v.21).”
In this generation, where new technologies, show business, and stable careers are the most sought after, it is difficult to internalize what Jesus has taught to His disciples. It is a challenge for everyone, especially for us believers, to live not for the material things, but for God alone.
We want a name for ourselves. We want to build a monument that will remind us of our achievements and success. But, we must also know the truth that life will not just end here. Soon enough, these things shall come to pass. We will die, and none of these things will be carried out into the next life.
This is the very reason why Jesus does not want us to fix our eyes in the temporal. Instead, He left us with this command that comes with a promise:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (v.33).”
Jesus is the only One worthy to be sought and pursued. He is our source of identity, strength, needs, and most importantly: love and affection.
Source:
* Tozer, A.W. The Pursuit of God . Pennsylvania: Zur Ltd. Wingspread Publishers; 2009 Image from: www. reducingcollegecosts .com
Very true Bro.! All the material things and whatever we own in this world we can’t bring them with us when we leave this world. Sadly most of us are attached to these “worldy” things. It made me ponder, deeply and reflect..even the person and people we love, we can’t take them with us when we die and that is one of the reason why we feel so devastated and it seems like we can’t go on anymore when a loved one dies ahead of us. I came to understand now that bible verse – “Where our treasure is..” Everything in this world is temporary.
I remember a religious song, I learned when I was still a teen. “Seek a never failing treasure with the Lord Our GOD, seek a treasure that will last eternally.”