“Right Priorities”
Matthew 6:19-34
“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 6:17-18
This was a passage that captivated my attention years ago as a non-believer because it had to do with money. Way back in the day, success to me meant making money, having a decent job, and owning a lot of things “to be seen by men.”
It certainly is not a coincidence that this section follows the one on Right Religion [Matt 6:1-18]. Jesus, the all-time Master teacher, connects the two with a warning; because we as believers can get wrapped up in “being seen by men.” Remember in the prior section that Jesus used the word “Hypocrites” three times regarding wrong giving [Matt 6:1-4], wrong prayer [Matt 6:5-15], and wrong fasting [Matt 6:16-18]. Right religion [i.e., right worship] is not something we do to be “seen by men.” Real worship is in the secret place one-on-one with the Lord.
What then flows are Right Priorities, which is our topic today. If we are drawing near to God, our priorities are on target. It does not come by forcing rules and regulations; right priorities are from a heart that rightly responds to the grace of God. It is through Grace that we are saved, sanctified, and transformed. When Grace flows in, Godly priorities flow out; in what we do and say, and specifically how we use money. Because how we use money reflects our heart.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” A good friend of mine once told me, “If you want to know a person’s heart, look at their check book.” The things a person spends on are the things he loves. And if he hordes like Ebenezer Scrooge, he certainly loves himself the most. That is why “giving in secret” is such a good reflection of the heart, and it is something we can all do as a test of our own hearts. Open your check book and notice what you invest in and what you don’t. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It is a true statement.
“But seek ye first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” This is the end-summary of our passage this morning. Right priorities come with this right order.
God will meet our needs when we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness,” He will not always meet our wants, but certainly our needs. This is a clear and concise promise from God’s word.
Remember, however, that right priorities are from a changed heart that comes from right worship.
