“Do not store your treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves can break in and steal them. But, store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves cannot break in and steal. For, wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage, often titled, “Treasures in Heaven” from “The Sermon on the Mount,” by the Gospel Writer called Matthew, urges you to look beyond material success to discover what you value most. The Gospel Writer called Luke shares similar wisdom (12:33-34).
- In this passage, as throughout both the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew) and the “Sermon on the Plain” (Luke), Jesus teaches how to live best, not what to believe.
- Jesus also teaches that “the kingdom of heaven is within you” (Luke 17:21). So, rather than think of heaven as some place you go when you die, let it be the place where you feel the most fulfillment, joy, and peace.
- A treasure is something precious and sacred. While your possessions may include particular treasures, Jesus suggests that heavenly treasures are life’s intangibles, those things which cannot be destroyed or stolen. For example, you may love your home, but your treasure is how comfortable and secure you feel living there.
- Master Teacher and Minister Ed Rabel teaches that heavenly treasures are spiritual and within everyone’s reach. They are called divine ideas, and they are infinite because you discover them within you, through your divine connection with God and your own intuition.
- To discover your heavenly treasures, your mind and heart must be united and aligned with your thoughts, feelings, and actions. For example, you may decline a job promotion because the workload will prevent you from enjoying time with your family.
- The 1921 lecture, “Acres of Diamonds” by Russell Conwell is a reminder of the folly of seeking treasures in faraway places. As Conwell says: “Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas. They are in your own backyard, if you will but dig for them.”
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- What treasures have I been seeking?
- List, word map, or illustrate whatever the treasures are.
- Then, making two different sections, one (1) for Outside and one (1) for Within, list, word map, or illustrate which are outside of you and which come from within you.
- What are my divine ideas?
- No matter how small or insignificant they seem, list, word map, or illustrate all your divine ideas.
- When I reflect on my divine ideas, what are some ways I’m being guided to use them?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much guidance as you can.
- If I’ve been looking outside myself or longing for faraway treasure, what can I discover right where I am?
- Staying open and receptive, list, word map, or illustrate as much as notice around you.
- What new treasure can I create from something seemingly neglected or outmoded?
- Staying open and receptive, list, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.
- What other treasures, already in front of me, have I overlooked?
- Staying open and receptive, list, word map, or illustrate as much as notice around you.
- When I reflect on all my answers, what heavenly treasures have I discovered?
- List, word map, or illustrate everything you’ve discovered.
As you work with this devotional, remind yourself that you’re in charge of your thoughts and actions. So, as you seek your heavenly treasures, stay heart-centered and follow your intuition.
Also, instead of gazing into the next yard to gauge your neighbor’s success, focus on how you feel most content and fulfilled. Remember that the grass is always greener where you nurture it. Look around you, at the people, places, and things right nearby. Trust your divine ideas, and know that wherever you are, God is. And so is your treasure.
© 2022 – Rev Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Photo by Creative Travel Projects from Shutterstock.
Recent Comments