The Weekly Word - A Devotion for the Week of October 21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
-- Matthew 6:21
Do you remember a time from your childhood when your heart was set on receiving a particular gift at Christmas? Maybe you yearned for a fancy new bike or the latest high-tech gadget, a favorite Star Wars figure or a glamorous Barbie doll. You undoubtedly thought of little else as Christmas Day approached and your desire for that special treasure grew.
As adults, our definition of “treasure” has likely expanded far beyond toys and dolls. These days, endless temptations – from monetary wealth and material possessions to success, achievement, power, recognition and fame – vie for our attention.
If you want to know where your treasure is, look to where and how you spend your time, resources, energy and money. Do you prioritize possessions over people? Do you spend your time working nonstop? Are you constantly distracted or preoccupied? An honest accounting of your priorities will tell you what you value in life.
Jesus’ deepest desire is to be in relationship with us, and He yearns for us to be present with Him with our whole hearts, minds and souls. Fixating on earthly treasures will lead to a distracted heart – a heart that is turned away from God. When we treasure our relationship with God first and foremost, on the other hand, our heart is wholly and fully with Him.
Heavenly Father, I want my treasure to be found not in money or power or earthly possessions, but in You. Help me keep my priorities straight. Help me keep my heart, mind and soul aligned with You. Amen.