We all have things that we value. Family, friendships, school, career/work, health, finances, etc.
If you are a Christian, I am sure you would say that Jesus is at the top of the list, but I want to challenge you. Is Jesus really what you value most? Above everything?
Does Jesus mean more to you than your career? Like, would you quit your job if He asked you to (even if you had nothing else lined up)? Is Jesus more of a priority in your life than school? Like, are you willing to cut out some of your study time to read your Bible and pray? Do you value Him more than your finances? Like, would you be willing to be more generous with your money to advance His Kingdom (even if it meant you did not get to have/do as much)? Does He mean more to you than your family? Like, would you follow His call on your life even if your family did not approve of that calling or it did not make sense to them?
In a culture that tells us every day to live for ourselves and put ourselves first, this way of thinking and living seems countercultural. (And, it is). But, whether or not it makes sense in today's culture, it is Biblical.
In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (found in Matthew 5-7), He taught many things that would have been countercultural at the time. The religious leaders at this time cared a lot about appearances; they followed so many rules, and on the outside, it would have appeared they had it all together. Their hearts, however, were far from God: they cared more about appearing righteous on the outside than actually being sincere on the inside.
On the other hand, the way of life Jesus described asked for more. Jesus revealed that God did not want people to just follow rules for the sake of tradition or appearances: He wanted people's hearts to be set on Him. He wanted people to obey Him out of love for Him. He wanted sincerity and humility.
Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples, recorded that in this sermon, Jesus taught that we should store up for ourselves treasure in Heaven where it is eternal, not on earth where it is temporary. Then, He made a bold statement.
Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
What you treasure, what you prioritize and value, is where your heart actually is. You might say your heart is fixed on Jesus, but according to Jesus, if your treasure is your career, your heart is fixed on your career.
I end this post with a question: where is your heart? Is it set on the Lord or something else?
You might hear this and think to yourself, "How do I obey God from a place that is genuine?"
Abide in Jesus. Walk with Him. Talk with Him, Worship Him. Sing His praises. Read and meditate on His Word.
As you get to know Jesus more, you will love Him more, and as your heart grows to love Him more, He will become your treasure. You are not on this journey of growing in Christ alone: His Spirit is with you every step of the way. He will help you, just surrender to His Will.
Comments