20150818 TREASURE HUNT

TREASURE HUNT

Matthew 6:19-21 "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.  (20)  Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.  (21)  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

In verse 24 we will look at the word, “Mammon.” “Mammon is a Syriac word, that signifies gain; so that whatever in this world is, or is accounted by us to be, gain (Phi_3:7), is mammon.” –Matthew Henry

The rest of this chapter begs the question, “What do I treasure? What do I consider to be true wealth?” I ask you to take a moment to ask your Heavenly Father to search your heart and give you an answer to that question right now. Please don’t rush through this today. Take some time now or put it on your calendar to do so sometime today.

Jesus points out the temporal state of all earthly treasures. They all fade away or are taken away over time. And they are not all physical, tangible things. In the earlier verses we find those who give, pray and fast for the treasure of the praise of men. Fame is a god for which we have written books, produced television shows and concocted competitions. People give all they have and put themselves through grueling practice and trials to gain a title. Others lose family, friends and health to climb the corporate ladder.

Treasure gained for self-importance, self-indulgence is treasure stored here on earth. It cannot break through to heaven’s shores. It is bound to this planet and chained to its fiery destruction.

Treasure gained for God’s glory and for the aid of others and dispersed in secret is everlasting treasure stored in heavenly lockers. Its full weight and worth will not be known until our works are judged by fire. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15  Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw.  (13)  But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value.  (14)  If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward.  (15)  But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.

So, what are the desires of your heart? What do you want more than anything else? That is the answer to what you treasure. If the answer still eludes you, take a look at your expenditures and your calendar. What do you spend your money on and what do you spend your time on?

Father in heaven, search our hearts. See if there is any wicked way in us. Show us what we truly treasure and give us hearts willing to change. Put the right desires, Your desires in our hearts for Your glory and for the advancement of Your Kingdom. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!