Treasures
Matthew 6:19-21 ESV
“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.”
In this scripture Jesus is setting a precedent of putting God first in our lives. Putting God first will set our way of thinking in proper perspective, not just in spiritual things but every area of our lives.
Putting God first in our finances seems to be a key issue with Jesus. He mentions money or finances in about forty percent of His teachings. So, to look at this passage another way, how do we protect our money from loss, or thieves? We allow God to be in control of our finances. He gives us wisdom to check our investments and bank accounts and how we spend.
Do we look at our statements and see if there are mistakes, or if we have made bad investments. Do we check to see if the bank has made an error, or if there are fees attached that should not be attached? Are we smart about where we shop, how we spend our money, or how much electricity and water we use?
Being careful with our money and investments are key elements in being children of God. Even social security is based on our pay now, so we need to find good careers that pay well and have benefits.
You may ask, isn’t this verse telling us not to worry about these things and trust God? Well, actually these three verses are telling us to put our trust in God and be smart not to put our money where people can steal it right under our noses.
Just an example, when we just let the water run, or leave the lights on continuously, or put our money in bad investments, or spend our money frivolously, that is not being proper stewards with our finances. The point of this teaching from the Lord is to look to God, trust God. Make God first and foremost. He will give us wisdom for this life.
Give to God, trust Him with our finances but in that sense, let Him guide us in being disciplined, and smart with our money and give tithes and offerings to God, that shows God He is most important in our lives. Trust God in all things, put Him first and He will provide wisdom, knowledge, and discretion.
Prayer:
Lord, You are first and foremost in our lives, but to show you how that is true, we are asking this morning for Your wisdom and discretion with our finances and personal property. Not overly indulging in spending freely, but understanding what is important to You, because what is important to You will be extremely good for us. In Your name Lord Jesus, AMEN!