Matthew 6:21

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Everyone enjoys a treasure hunt, or at least most do. Studying the clues and running around trying to find them. The Bible talks about treasures, but they aren’t the kind most chase after. When you take a long look at your life, your actions, and the things you pursue, what is it that motivates you? What things are you trying to gain more of? Is it money, fame, bigger houses, better cars, or a more amazing job? Do you seek to gain as much wealth and things in this life as you can?

As children of God, we are to pursue those things that please God. We are to be about our Father’s business. When we became born-again believers in Jesus Christ, the things we do in His name, for His sake, to please Him have been and continue to be deposited in heaven. God keeps a record of those things. They matter to him. Do they make us more saved, absolutely not! Works will not and cannot save you. It is by grace alone, in faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. He is our redeemer and Savior, and there is no other way! However, God does want us to work for him, he does have things he wants us to pursue here on earth for Him.

The only way we can know what God wants us to pursue is by reading His word, praying, and asking for the Holy Spirit to enlighten us and guide us to those things, maybe those people. God is not interested in whether you are wealthy, or have the latest this or that; all those things are gifts He gives, according to His will and purpose. But those things are never meant to distract us from the work of the Lord.

God looks at each of us, He knows our make-up and He has designed specific things for us to do while we wait for His return or to meet him in death. He knows our motives behind what we do, we cannot hide from God. But knowing that what we do does matter in heavenly places, and knowing that we will one day stand before a Holy God shouldn’t we desire above all else to do those things which he calls us to with all our might? Shouldn’t our desires here on earth as we wait to be to deposit treasures in heaven?

Whatever you chase will be what your heart locks onto. The bobbles and goodies of this world can certainly distract us from the true work of God, and the enemy can even trick us into believing that those things are what God wants us to have. We need to be very careful about what we set our sights on. The Lord has requirements for us.

Micah 6:8 “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil”

God sees it all, nothing is ever hidden from him. We need to truly seek Him making sure to look deep inside our hearts to see if what we are doing is in line with His will for us. We can all do nice things, but it isn’t just about being nice, it is the motive behind it.

For me pleasing the Lord while I trod the soil of the earth is more important to me than anything. I want to be vigilant to walk where he leads, to do those things I feel he has called me to. I want to guard my eyes, my ears, my heart, and my soul. I want to prayerfully seek Him, asking: “Lord, what would you have me do?” And I want to do it with all I have knowing that I am pleasing God. I don’t always get it right, but I sure try!

Yes, we need money, a place to live, etc…, and God will supply those things; just remember you will take none of it with you. And when you stand before Him, I dare say you won’t be bragging about the size of your bank account, the size of your home, or the many things you have accumulated. Nope, it will just be you and Him, everything open to Him, the ALL-SEEING, ALL-KNOWING God will open your vault and peer in, what will He find?

Oh Lord, Help us to stop being selfish, to stop acting like this world is our final destination. Help us to desire those things that please you, and to do them; knowing that it pleases you, and the treasures we store up are eternal. Help us to travel lightly knowing this is not our home!