Do no

t lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and
rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up
for yourselves treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19, 20).

There are material goods which Jesus identifies as “treasures
upon earth.” And there are immaterial goods which Jesus calls
“treasures in heaven.” Treasures upon earth have two
characteristics.

First, all natural things decay. What rust doesn’t destroy, moths
or termites will. Second, because of the value of earthly
treasures, there is always a concern for security. It is hard to
be anxiety-free if we are worried about our possessions. The more
we possess, the more we cause others to covet, hence the reason
why “thieves break in and steal.”

On the other hand, treasures in heaven are beyond the reach of
thieves and secure from the ravages of moths and rust. Paul puts
it this way: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;
for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is
profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present
life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7, 8).

What do you treasure in your heart? What would you exchange for
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control? Would you exchange these qualities
for a new car, a cabin in the hills, a boat in the marina,
exceptional status at the top of the corporate ladder?

Achievement is determined by who or what you serve. There is a
moral healthiness and simple, unaffected goodness present in the
single-minded person that is absent from the one serving many
masters. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he
will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and
despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. For this
reason I say to you, do not be anxious” (Matthew 6;24, 25).

There will be no peace serving two masters. To whichever master
we yield, by that master we shall be controlled.

Father, the treasures of this world call out to me temptingly. I
trust You to give me what I need and not what I selfishly desire.

This daily devotional is published and distributed by
http://www.GOSHEN.net/ . It is written by Neil Anderson at
http://www.freedominchrist.com/ .