Seek Treasure in Heaven

Matthew 19:26 (NASB) says “with God all things are possible.”

Jesus spoke these words after a young man asked Him how to have eternal life. The man said he had kept the ten commandments, honored his parents, and loved his neighbor as himself. But he asked if he needed something else. In response, Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor and invited him to “come, follow Me” and have “treasure in heaven” (Matthew 19:21). Sadly, the young man loved his riches so much it caused him to deny Christ’s offer for eternal life.

Then, Jesus told His disciples:

“Truly I say to you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:23-24).

The Bible does not condemn prosperity but cautions us to have the proper perspective. Scripture reveals that Abraham, David, Solomon, and others were wealthy, yet it didn’t interfere with their relationship with God. They loved God more than their possessions. Oftentimes, our priorities need to be rearranged to be in alignment with God’s purpose.

Wealthy or not, we can have possessions, but guard our hearts so they do not have us. 1 John 2:15 says:

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

This doesn’t mean we can’t have things, but we shouldn’t love them, or anything more than we love the Lord. This young man thought the way many of us have at one time — reject the gospel to live for ourselves. An unbalanced love for worldly things hinders our relationship with Christ, and we don’t want that because we love Him! For me, with God’s help, this change in priorities has been a humbling and rewarding process.

I used to be wrapped up in my possessions: the big house, nice car, designer clothes, Dolby sound, the people I knew, and parties I gave. But deep inside, something was missing. I lacked the joy and peace I wanted. Through a series of events, it all went along the wayside. Presently, my income is less, I live in a small apartment, and the Lord has me getting rid of my collection of possessions. Anything unused in the last three or four years isn’t needed, and I gladly give it away. Now my most valuable possession is my relationship with Christ and His life in me, prioritizing living in a manner that’s pleasing to Him. I can finally say I’ve found true love, true joy, true peace, and a heart satisfaction unmatched by any worldly possession. I discovered that if we let Him, the Lord will transform our minds, our priorities, and our desires to match His. The rewards are priceless!

Part of God’s plan and purpose for us is to draw ever closer to Him. May we surrender everything to Him and withhold nothing. May we possess a greater hunger and sincere love for the Lord with the desire to honor and please Him above all else. How can this be? By asking Him. Ask for help and grace, His amazing grace, which He supplies freely and abundantly — grace that enables us to love Him more than possessions.

~

Scripture is quoted from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.