Where do you find your security? Is it in your wealth? Are you driven to succeed only to have more money in the bank? Do you cut every corner imaginable just so you can make ends meet? Jesus is talking about our relationship to money, our need for money, and how we should view money. You may have seen before how this passage can be misinterpreted leading people to a wrong understanding.
Again, Jesus wants us to be relying on our Heavenly Father and focusing on building that relationship. When we distract ourselves with money, having more of it that is, we are keeping ourselves from having more of God. Again, the attitude of our heart is what God is watching.
Our money is temporary. We can’t take it with us when we die. We can earn it, but we often spend it. What are you spending your money on? I’m guessing it’s temporary stuff that will rust, decay, stop working, not fit anymore, go out of style, or be consumed.
When we store up our treasures in heaven, we have a priceless investment. It will be waiting for us as a grand reward when we enter the Kingdom with Jesus at the end of our lives. Talk about an insurance payout! But again, what are our motives? Jesus says our hearts will follow our treasure. If it’s safe with God, our hearts will be right where God wants them to be–with Him.
Jesus’ discussion about our eyes and how evil or good they are is also very telling. What are we focused on? Wealth and material things for selfish gain or appearance, or on God? Are we continually seeking God’s vision for our lives? Are we driven by a life of service or being served? I read an interesting analogy that money is like a pagan god. It offers security, freedom, power, influence, status, prestige. It requires single-minded devotion.
Jesus is not saying it’s a bad thing to have money. There are several wealthy people we see in Jesus’ circle. Money can make a difference in the world when it is used wisely. It can help the needy. It can provide for our families’ needs now and in the future. We will have something to be generous with so we can be cheerful givers.
So, take heed to Jesus’ words. What’s at stake here is how we use the money we have, how we feel about the money we have, or how we rank money in importance for our lives. Many sacrifice their health and happiness for more money by working long hours. That is when we become a slave to wealth and materialism. That is precisely what Jesus is wanting us to avoid.
How are you at handling your money? Do you have a treasure stored up in heaven? You are surrounded by a materialistic society. It might help to remember everything belongs to God. Are you being a good steward of what you have been given?
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for all you have entrusted me with. I may not have the biggest house, finest clothes, fanciest car, or even close to that, but I don’t need those things to feel close to you. I trust you for my daily needs and give thanks for all your provisions. I do want more money in my bank account, and I trust it will be there when you feel I’m ready. Help my selfish heart to rest in you. Create in me a clean heart ready to serve and give freely. I look forward to the day when I can be even more generous with the wealth you have given. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
