MONDAY: WHAT DO I VALUE?

Nov 21, 2022
2 min read

Lord, I am so wrapped up in worrying about my values. Help me to see with new eyes today the things You value.

Matthew 6:19-24, 33

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

“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!

“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.”

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

The things I treasure are the things I value. I consider these to be priceless valuables, and I will do countless things to try to protect them, including spending hours worrying about them when they are threatened.

If I place considerable value on earthly treasures, then I will be disappointed when they are destroyed by pests or stolen by thieves. I should place more value on treasures in heaven, which cannot be destroyed or stolen. These heavenly treasures are rooted in my relationship with God and my relationships with others.

Jesus compares my ability to focus on heavenly things to treasures in heaven, when my whole body will be full of light. If my eyes are out of focus, and all I see is spiritual darkness, then my unhealthy eyes are not focused on Him.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: Jesus says there are only two options: I can either value the things of God or I can value what money can buy. If I highly value money, then I neglect God. But if I serve God, then I will look to Him for provision.

It all starts with seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness. If my focus is squarely on Him and what He wants for my life, then I don’t place value on earthly things. Those things will one day pass away, and I’d rather concentrate on what’s eternal.

Lord, guide me today to focus and place value on the same things You value. Help me to see that through You I know what is valuable and Who I serve.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman