Rust

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

The allure of accumulating much in this world is strong, but Jesus warns us against such a posture in this week’s passage, telling us to store up, for ourselves, treasures in heaven.  He goes on to compare our eyes to lamps and declaring that we cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:22-24).

Significant thoughts:

1. Present – In context, Jesus is not talking of heaven on clouds with harps and expensive streets.  He is speaking of heaven in the present tense throughout the Sermon on the Mount.  When he says that we should store up for ourselves treasures in heaven, he is saying we should be rich in love and deeds, which further the kingdom of heaven here and now.
2. Light – Just as we are to be lamps illuminating the kingdom of heaven on earth (Bring the flava, bring the gleam), the eye is the lamp to our bodies.  This is Jesus’ practical way of saying, “Point your eyes in a direction that will further your desire, not for things of this world (which rust), but for things of God (faith, hope, love, etc.).
3. Rust – If your only desire is to accumulate lots of things that rust, it will blind you to ways in which you can bring heaven here.  Therefore, if you are desire is only gold and silver, you are considered an enemy to God.

The Apostle Paul, talking to Timothy about wealth (I Timothy 6:10-11) calls him to, “. . . flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”  Where have you pointed your eyes lately that has caused you to seek after possessions (which rust)?  In what ways do you need to flee wealth and pursue heavenly treasures?

Let us be people who seek after heaven with our eyes and not after hell with our wallets.