Our priority is to seek the kingdom over earthly possessions, replacing worry with trust in God’s provision.
I thought I was a relaxed hostess until I began hosting playdates with toddlers, a fun time where order and clean surfaces go to die! I tell myself that my belongings don’t matter, but when it comes down to it, the chaos of a group of three-year-olds can feel like a personal threat to my home and self-preservation.
As I read today’s Scripture from Matthew, I paused and asked myself, What does it mean to store up “treasures in heaven”? What is Jesus actually asking me to do? The Scripture seems to focus less on actual possessions and more on the posture of the heart (see Matthew 19:16–22). Anything that stands in the way of us fully following and trusting in God is an area of our hearts we ought to examine. Matthew writes:
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys,
and where thieves don’t break in and steal.
For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:20–21).
What is “treasure” in heaven, from a kingdom perspective? It’s living for God’s glory and the good of others (Hebrews 6:10). Because God provides for His people and “delights to give [us] the kingdom,” we are free to pursue the good of other people, to focus on relationship with our Heavenly Father and those He has surrounded us with (Luke 12:32). No thief can steal love that has been freely given (v.33).
My heart’s posture toward loving and serving others in my home takes an ugly turn when I begin to focus on my possessions, my appearance, and my control. Perhaps it’s a simple example, but it’s very real to me. When I become angry, bitter, and frustrated with my son for making a mess, I know it’s my comfort and my possessions that I’m actually concerned about. When adults are invited into my home and feel welcome enough to casually move furniture around without asking, my heart reveals its desire to control and maintain order. The sin in my heart gets in the way of hospitality, of pursuing the good of others. I want to offer a space where people feel comfortable and loved. When I’m too consumed by the outside mess, how can I possibly minister to the mess we all bring with us?
So, yes, even little people in my sphere of influence (the home) need to know the patience and gentle instruction of God. Friends need to see the generosity of Jesus when we serve them in our home. I should worry less about shoes on the couch when our family is rich in relationships. God knows what we need to get through this physical, day-to-day world. He provides the necessary things for us, so we can focus on making the kingdom of God very real to the people here on earth. Couches fade and, believe it or not, you can get diet soda out of your rug with just hot water (and silent prayer). But ultimately, being present with people and sharing Jesus’s love with them are the kind of treasures I want to store up.
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Great reminder about the things we can treasure over people/relationships!
Beautifully written reminder!
This hit HOME in ways you can’t imagine. Thank you Lord for the study and bless the vessel you brought it through.
WOW!!! Soooo much good reading — both Scripture and devotional — this is what I needed today. Yesterday was hard for me because I had to go to the lawyer we’ve hired to help with my sister’s legal affairs. You see she was a CPA — certified public accountant — and had a business of her own. I had to take all her clients’ files from the last seven years; as well as hers, her deceased husband’s and her deceased daughter’s stuff with me to figure out what needed to be done. What I found out was my nephew is ultimately responsible for all of it. I and my brothers’ know that he doesn’t care about anything but the money. But we have to legally get permission for me to take care of things. I’m thankful I have a brother willing to explain to my nephew what needs to be done. But most of all I’m thankful for God, Christ and the Holy Spirit who I know I can lay all of this on and not worry about it.
These are the verses that stood out to me:
Matthew 6:27 “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”; 30 “And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”; 33 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”; 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Matthew 7:6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy.”
Psalm 147:11 “The Lord values those who fear him,
those who put their hope in his faithful love.”
Luke 12 “No thief can steal love that has been freely given” (v.33).
This is what stood out from Bailey’s devotional, “Our priority is to seek the kingdom over earthly possessions, replacing worry with trust in God’s provision.”
Sorry about the rambling.
Be blessed and know God, Christ and the Spirit “have your back” no matter what the circumstances are.
This reminds me of the many times I’ve put my things above what truly matters… My children and their hearts. Lord forgive me and help me to love them like You do!
My kids are adults and raising their own kids now. I have often told them, it I could change something about my mothering, I would have cleaned the house less and spent more time with you! Loved this reading today.
Thank you for sharing, Angie! Your words brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart knowing that God can use me to be a blessing to others. A willing heart is all that’s required. ❤️