If someone watched you for several days what would that person conclude about your life? That which you most treasure reveals the condition of your heart. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said to His disciples,
for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)
Jesus is teaching a profound truth in this verse. We often believe that if we simply follow our hearts then we will be on the right track. Jesus however, points out the powerful influence of that which we treasure. Your treasure reveals the true nature of your heart.
Although people often emphasize the need to follow one’s heart. We must realize that sin has permeated every aspect of our being,
The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
You can however, be encouraged that God can give you a new our heart that is responsive to Him.
Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)
As our hearts are trained and guided by God then we have a heart that seeks to do His will,
Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
God’s desire is that we follow after Him and theologians refer to this process of change as sanctification. Many people believe that we can’t control our heart and our desires, they believe that our lives are controlled by these immutable affections. Jesus however, teaches that the heart follows that which you treasure. You can choose your treasure and your heart follows that which you value.
Consider the implications of this truth for you life. You do not need to be enslaved by your innate, seemingly intransigent desires, but you have the opportunity to invest your life in godliness. So where is your treasure? Perhaps we should ask, “What would your spouse or a close friend say is your treasure?”
God has not left you at the mercy of your desires. He offers you hope in reminding you that your desires can be trained. If everything you value is here on earth, then you have little interest in eternity; conversely if your treasure is in heaven (where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal), then you can hold lightly to the things of this world. How do you know you’re investing in eternity? Your treasure will be reflected in that which lasts forever: God, His word, and people.
Invest your life in eternity, the dividends are out of this world!
Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. (Psalm 73:25)
Associate Pastor – Discipleship. The Church at LifeParkProfessor of Discipleship, Columbia International University
Follow me on twitter: rickhiggins5
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