“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 destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
In our western culture, common interpretations of this passage of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount suggest that “treasure” refers to money and all its material enticements. It offers no lasting security, because like moth and rust, it breeds decay and thieves may steal it. On the other hand, money sown toward Godly purposes results in enduring treasures stored in heaven.
Dr. K.C. Pillai, a Bishop from India and a Hindu convert to Christianity, offers some interesting insight into these verses from an eastern perspective (remember the Bible is an eastern book.) Since easterners view life more through spiritual meaning, he says that the “treasure” mentioned here simply refers to our thoughts.
He explains that “heaven” speaks of the realm of the Spirit; “earth” is the material realm; “moth” is fear that eats away at our thoughts; “rust” is worry that corrodes Godly thoughts, and “corrupt” means to breed.
In light of eastern culture then, Pillai offers this rendition of the passage:
“Let not your thoughts be centered in material things where fear and worries breed defeat and frustration, and where the doubts break through and steal your thoughts: But let your thoughts be centered in the Spirit, where neither fear nor worry breeds defeat and frustration, and where doubts do not break through and steal your thoughts. For where your thoughts are, there will your heart be also.”
Where is the treasure of your heart?
What do you spend most of your time thinking about? Are you often consumed with worry? Where do your thoughts go when alone?
These are things worth asking ourselves …
Much of Matthew 6 is about relationship with our Heavenly Father. In fact Jesus uses the term “Father” eleven times in this chapter, showing the significance and importance of that relationship.
If the treasure of our hearts is God, there is no need for anxiety or fear.
So how do we get to the place of God first in our thoughts and actions? Of Jesus Christ, who makes Him known, being our First Love?
- Decide. Surely our thoughts play a major role in how we live, because as we think in our hearts so are we (Proverbs 23:7).
If our thoughts are centered on earthly, material things, our lives will be plagued with worry, frustration, and despair. How easy it is to realize that the things we see are not dependable—they’re in a constant state of change and decay.
Our hearts are the innermost parts of our minds, the control center of our very lives. God tells us to keep His words in the midst of our hearts, and to keep our hearts with all diligence—because from the heart comes the issues of life (Proverbs 4:20-23).
Therefore, we must decide what will take first place in our hearts.
- Prioritize. We must be intentional about doing things to grow our relationship with God. Daily Bible reading and prayer is a good starting place.
The choices we make each day of how we spend our time make a huge difference in where our thoughts stay. Will we let social media or television steal hours of our day, or will we devote more time to the things of God?
Prioritizing our lives to keep God first means we’re no longer centering our lives on things that change, but on Him who changes not.
- Be mindful of His presence. God’s Spirit speaks to the Spirit within us. We’re not to live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).
Many Christians are fearful and restless, because their thoughts are preoccupied with the things of the world. Because their hearts are where their thoughts dwell, they are not abiding in Christ.
Jesus Christ is with us and in us. Being mindful of His presence throughout the day gives us peace and assurance to rise above our circumstances and allow Him to work in our lives.
- Serve. Drawing close to God, and making His thoughts our thoughts, we begin to view life through His perspective. One of the great joys of our hearts becomes serving Him.
How can I make Godly choices with my time, my money, my activities, and my health? How can I better serve Him by helping others?
Your daily workplace is your mission field—the sphere of influence you have to show Christ to the world. Let’s get busy serving!
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As Christians, it’s important we decide where we want the treasure of our hearts, prioritize our lives accordingly, stay mindful of His presence, and get busy serving Him.
Seeking first His kingdom, He promises to add everything else we need.
Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton
Very interesting and inspiring article, Cheryl. Thanks for sharing.
This teaching by Jesus seems like it may be one of those places in scripture where there are several levels of meaning in the same passage. On one level it certainly relates to the things we treasure in our lives, either our material possessions or our spiritual wealth.The concept that this could also relate to our thought life (fear & worry vs. trust & faith) is a different, maybe deeper, level of understanding, and it appears to be just as valid.
I wonder how many other scriptures there are with more than one level of meaning behind them? Bet there are many.
Interesting and helpful thoughts . . . I like the word “intentional.” Thanks, Cheryl.
I agree with your good thoughts!
Let’s store up treasures for ourselves in Heaven!