Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I was walking through a local department store right after New Years day and observed the Christmas displays and wares were being quickly replaced by the Valentines Day materials. I guess we are being told to put Christmas behind us and move on to the next big marketing thing. I have one word for that, sad.
Where is your heart? My question is not anatomical in nature. Rather, it is spiritual in nature and direction. Really, where is your heart currently focused. Is your heart in your job? Is your heart in your exercise and diet program we all resolved to take on again this year? Is it focused on matters of the family? Or is focused on Jesus? Christmas should be fresh in our minds. The birth of our Savior celebrated just a few short days ago should still be lingering in our thoughts. For some the memory trigger may be the credit card bills, spawned by our gift giving efforts, arriving in the mail and e-mail. We tried to share the love of Christ with others in our gift giving effort. Sadly, just as we find in Matthew 6:19-21 these gifts are fragile and fleeting. "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Giving the gift of Christ to family and friends is something that cannot be stolen, rust away or be destroyed by moths. When we reach out with ourselves and share time, a meal, the word of God and simple kindness that is giving the gift of Christ. If you look back in scriptures you do not find instances where Jesus gave gifts that were materialistic in nature. He gave the word of His Father. He shared with all the message of grace, redemption, salvation, and forgiveness. He put a face on the love of God. When we step back and really look at what Jesus was all about we see something drastically different than the marketing aim of merchants at Christmas. We see love in a simple and pure form. Friends of the risen savior we should stop and reconsider where our heart is. Take some time, prayerfully consider where your heart is and put your treasure there. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
PRAYER: Father we reach out to You in prayer seeking Your will. Guide us in how we share Your love with those we treasure in our lives. Help us to find Your way. Let Your Holy Spirit fill our hearts with the faith and love You hold for all mankind. We ask this in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, Amen.
