“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus outlines here that everyone one of us seeking some kind of treasure. And whatever treasure it is that each of us is seeking after is ultimately what controls our hearts, and then in turn controls our lives. Paul Tripp says in his book Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, “One of the most tragic things that could happen to a human being is to invest his life in pursuit of the wrong treasure” (p. 72). What a tragedy if at the end of our lives we look back and say, “I wish I would have…”.
I am thankful to God for each of you and the eternal investment you are making for the church. As you lead others, and as you raise up new leaders within the body, as you love each other and engage the lost, know that you are investing in God’s kingdom, and that investment will not return void. Satan wants nothing more than for us to take our eyes and set them on earthly treasures. He wants us to believe that the things of this life that will pass away are worth our time, energy and investment. Guard your hearts and minds against these lies.
I encourage you to look to Jesus for all that you need for the task set before you. Consider Him so that you will not grow weary. Run with endurance the race set before you. (Hebrews 12:1-3)
My prayer for us this week is this: that we would see Jesus, our first and great treasure, and that with joy we would passionately pursue the eternal treasures of heaven, forsaking the fleeting treasures of this earth.
I love you guys. Press on!
