Christian Living

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by Rev. Jeff Hagan, DCE, DMin, (ThD)

Scripture:
“'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.' The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!' 'No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money'” (Matthew 6:19-24, ESV).

Introduction:
Our priorities have a major influence on our state of mind. Jesus was preaching away during his Sermon on the Mount and right in the middle of it he starts talking about the theme of laying up treasures. These “treasures” are things that appear to be very important to people. A person's “treasures” tell a lot about them. In this passage, Jesus mentions three specific types of people.

One – The Earthly Minded: This individual finds their treasures on earth (v.19). People who are earthly minded live for themselves. They are pleasure seeking in all that they do. They are selfish and self-absorbed. Clearly, this type of person is not in their right mind.

Two – The Heavenly Minded: This individual finds their treasures in heaven (v.20). People who are heavenly minded live their lives for the glory of God. They walk in obedience out of a desire to do so and do not view it as an obligation. These people are selfless and will receive a great reward. Clearly, this type of person is IN their right mind.

Three – The Double Minded: This individual tries to find their treasures in serving God and serving self. But as we can see in verses 22-24, no one can serve two masters. These people are wanting the best of both worlds, they want to have their cake and eat it too (as the saying goes). Clearly, this type of person in not in their right mind.

Conclusion:
The key verse in this passage is very telling about a person. For our purposes, the key verse is verse 21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” I think all of us need to step back every once in a while and evaluate where we stand regarding this passage. Where are your treasures? Which of these three types of people do you see yourself as right now?

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