The Sermon on the Mount: A 21-Day Guide to the Greatest Sermon Ever PreachedSample

Good and Bad Eyes

Loving God with our whole lives requires us to prioritize His heavenly rewards and promises over the temporary rewards of this world. That’s what today’s reading is all about—learning to see clearly what lasts and what doesn’t.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20 NIV

Jesus contrasts two types of treasure we can chase: treasures on earth and treasures in heaven. Earthly treasure, while incredibly valuable here and now, will eventually lose its value—because it wears out, or someone takes it from us, or we pass away and leave it behind. But, treasures in heaven never fade. Time won’t break them down. Nobody can steal them. These treasures can be enjoyed now and forever in the presence of God.

The point Jesus makes here is very similar to what He talked about earlier; what we do and why we do it will determine our reward. Do we value God’s heavenly rewards most, or the rewards of people? Ultimately, the choice is ours.

Jesus goes on to tell us:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 NIV

If you want to know what you really care about, look at “your treasure.” Many people care about making money and having things, so they store up for themselves as much as they can. Others want fame and influence, so they do everything in their power to amass a following and get their name out there. Some people desire being desired; they try their best to become as attractive and interesting as possible so others will want to date them. And still others pour themselves into their work because they want to be seen as talented and successful.

Wherever you invest the most time, resources, and energy is likely the place that has your heart. For those of us who are investing the majority of our time, resources, and energy into earthly things, this is not great news. But, for those who want their heart to be caught up in God’s kingdom, this is really good news. Because Jesus tells us that when we invest our lives in the things of God, the things of God will capture our hearts.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew 6:22-23 NIV

Jesus is drawing out the spiritual truth that how we see the world has huge implications for our lives. If we see the world through eyes that are healthy and generous, our lives will be full of light. But if we see the world through eyes that are unhealthy and greedy, our lives will be full of darkness. And that is really bad news.

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24 NIV

Jesus makes clear what the previous verses were all pointing to: We can only give our heart to one master. We can choose loyalty to God, or we can pledge our allegiance to something else. And—if you’re like most people—that other thing is often money. Why? Because we believe the lie that money can actually give us what we want: happiness, security, influence, relationship, etc. But, it’s just an idol. And the problem with idols is that they never deliver on their promises. God, on the other hand, always delivers on His promises. So, who will you serve?

What did Jesus say?

Give your devotion to God and trust that the treasures He offers are so much better than anything money can buy.

What did Jesus do?

Jesus stayed loyal to God throughout His ministry. He never let money master Him. Instead, He used money as a tool to accomplish His mission. In fact, in Luke’s Gospel, we can read about a group of women who supported Jesus’ ministry financially:

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Luke 8:1-3 NIV

How can I apply that to my life today?

Money is a good servant, but a terrible master. It has a place in our lives, but that place cannot come before or above God. We don’t want to trade heavenly treasures for things that will eventually fade.

So, honestly evaluate where you spend the majority of your time, energy, and resources. What apps do you spend the most time on? What places do you visit most often? What friends do you spend the most time with? How often do you listen to or watch things that are not honoring God compared to those that do?

Once you have a clear picture of where your time, energy, and resources are going, decide where you should cut back on or cut out the things you’re giving more to than God.