Topic after topic is addressed in quick order in Matthew 6, all with the underlying instruction to not worry about such things. In this passage, Jesus tells us not to worry about our money and finances.

Jesus begins this passage on money with the words, “Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth.” This is a teaching with a sharp point to it, because we have a passion for our possessions, don’t we? Materialism is a trap that captures many, and no one is immune from it. It’s easy for us to get caught up in acquiring more and more stuff.

Much of the time, the stuff that we acquire isn’t necessarily bad in and of itself. Did you buy a guitar? It may be used for worship. Need a new and dependable car? That’s necessary for day-to-day functions, and you could use it as a ministry tool, too. And I’m sure you could think of scores of examples to add to the list. The problem really isn’t money, or even the stuff that money can buy. It’s the motives behind the money issues that are really at the root of things.

Our passion for stuff shouldn’t lead us to hoard it for selfish reasons. Why not? Because it won’t last anyway. Moths eat clothes. Rust destroys cars. Stuff decays and deteriorates. And our stuff can easily become an idol if we aren’t careful.

An excellent example of this is found in the story of Achan, in Joshua 7. The people of Israel are beginning to take over the Promised Land, and are told to destroy the first city, Jericho, completely. They are to take nothing away from it as spoils except for the family of Rahab (Joshua 6:17-19). Achan disobeys this command and steals a few things that capture his eye. As a result, Israel is defeated at the next city they go up against, Ai. When God reveals his sin, and the leaders of Israel confront him, he says, “Truly I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I did: when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” (Joshua 7:20-21, ESV).

As you read through the rest of Joshua 7, you’ll see his sin is dealt with quickly and decisively.

Money isn’t to be regarded as something to be hoarded or used to purchase possessions to be hoarded. Our money and possessions are something that we should steward well so that we will be found trustworthy in God’s eyes (1 Corinthians 4:2).

So Jesus offers an alternative perspective on the use of money. He says, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” When we use our resources with a Kingdom mindset, and for Kingdom purposes, they build “treasure” in heaven that cannot be destroyed by moths or rust. Such treasure lasts for eternity.

And the reason for this teaching? Once again, it all comes down to motives. Jesus states, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Money has a way of infiltrating our heart easily, and we need to watch and be aware of its pervasive nature, so that we can keep our focus on those things that are eternal.

That’s where our heart really needs to be.

Question: How’s your heart doing when it comes to money and possession? Do you struggle in this area? You can leave a comment by clicking here.