March 17, 2016
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19-24
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Questions for Reflection:
I have a confession. I like watching Chip & Joanna Gaines on “Fixer Upper” on HGTV. I love watching how they can take something that is out-of-date and transform it. I was watching an episode from earlier this season recently. A granddaughter was asking them for their assistance in transforming her grandfather’s house into something her and her husband could live in. There was only one catch: the house had been unoccupied for the last 10 years. The house demonstrated evidence of mouse, possum, wasp and skunk activity. In reading through the passage above, I was reminded that if left uncared for over an extended period of time, everything we have will fall apart.
Jesus told his disciples the exact same thing. Why was Jesus so concerned about what his disciples treasured? What we love, what we devote our time and money to is a great indication of where our priorities are. Andy Stanley explains what Jesus is saying here:
What are your masters? If you were to look at your calendar, what would your calendar reveal about your priorities? What about your bank account? If you were to ask those closest to you, your friends and family, what would they say was your biggest priorities? Spend time today having a conversation about how you use what He has given you. Ask Him to make clear to you if your priorities are out of balance.