I feel that I am very materialistic. For some reason, I have a hard time being satisfied with what I have. Don’t get me wrong – I feel blessed to have what I have and I realize that God has been good to my family, but sometimes these feelings of dissatisfaction creep back into my heart. It is something that I have to guard against the rest of my life. It seems like people in Jesus’ day struggled with the same thing…knowing the difference between needs and wants. He begins His teaching on wealth with a bold statement – Don’t lay up for yourselves treasures on earth (v.19)! Now He didn’t condemn money, but using it in the wrong way. When a person acquires money so he can have more stuff, he has failed to realize that money/possessions are temporary and can be stolen or broken. Then Jesus makes another huge statement – whatever you treasure reveals what your heart loves (v.21). Jesus has been talking a lot about the heart and goes to the extreme of saying that where most of your money goes is a good indicator of what your heart loves. On the other hand, Jesus says to lay up treasures in heaven. What does this mean? It simply means to use your resources (money, home, car, possessions, etc.) in order to bring attention to God (bring Him glory). He is not talking about some prideful waving of money and possessions so that others will think that God has blessed you, but rather a loose grip on what you have to be used for God’s glory. Use your car to bring someone to church. Use your home to entertain and encourage others. Use your money to give to missionaries across the globe who are spreading the Gospel. Jesus warned His followers not to be like the religious crowd who coveted money and possessions (vv.22-24). Their covetousness was a result of their corrupt and selfish heart. Jesus goes on to encourage His disciples to not worry about the basic needs of life because He will provide those things (vv.25-32). Matthew 6 closes with two verses that really sum up His teaching on wealth – be concerned first about bringing the attention of others to God and He will provide everything you need. What an amazing promise. Most of us have everything we need so let’s start focusing on how we can use what God has given us to bring Him more glory.
Dear God, thank you for providing all my needs now help me to use the wealth you’ve given me to cause others to worship You also.
