Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

What is most precious to you?

That seems like a simple question with answers that we say are obvious. We would quickly say, “family, friends, God, etc.”

But do our words and our actions match up?

Whatever we devote the most time and effort to in our day-to-day lives is what we treasure the most. Our actions show where our devotion and heart truly are.

When we truly consider that, it will sting pretty hard.

Jesus teaches us that if our focus in life is gaining the things of this world then we are missing the very point of life! Cars, houses, clothes, and anything else of this world is only temporary. Those things can be stolen from us or they age and deteriorate over time. Ultimately, all earthly things will “melt with a fervent heat” at the end of time. So, truly those things are a waste of our time and devotion.

Our heart should be focused on God and His kingdom. Jesus tells us that the only way to do that is to devote ourselves to Him daily. This does not mean that we quit our secular job and live in a commune. It means that we live our lives on our jobs, in school, in our community, and at home in a manner that focuses on giving glory to God. We were created to serve and love God. The only way we can do that is to serve and love one another.

When we walk like Jesus – loving others and not thinking of ourselves – then we “lay up” treasure in heaven. What is precious to us cannot be stolen away and will never wear old or deteriorate. And even after this earth passes away, love with continue for all eternity.