Treasures
Matthew 6:19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.“
Jesus makes it very clear that having the wrong treasures (values) can lead to the heart being in the wrong place. What someone treasures (values) the most can control that person, whether that person admits it or not.
Ambition which is healthy, if not controlled can lead to greed which is unhealthy.
When a person has ambition, there is a strong desire to do or accomplish a goal that has been set. To accomplish the goal, determination and hard work will be required.
On the other hand if someone is driven by greed, ambition has turned into a selfish desire…having an uncontrolled longing for an increase in material gain, power or status.
When a person becomes greedy, that greediness can become an uncontrolled driving force that if not controlled, can lead someone do anything or “whatever it takes” to get what they want.
Colossians 3:1-2 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above; where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Vs 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things of this earth.”
Keeping focus on heavenly things and not earthly possessions, will help a person to have the right perspective on what should be treasured. There is nothing wrong with desiring to have nice things, but greed can be a driving force to do anything to obtain them.
2nd Corinthians 4:18 “while we do not look at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Earthly possessions are temporary. A person has to look past what can be seen, and by faith look to see what is unseen, looking past the present to the future.
Psalm 84:11 “The Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from those who walk up rightly.”
Having a lifestyle of righteous living, can open doors from heaven to receive multiple blessings.
3rd John vs 2 “Beloved I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”
Having the right values will lead to prosperity and being in good health to enjoy prosperity.
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your work to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”
Putting ambition in its proper perspective will be beneficial in being successful.
Father in heaven, help us to remain focused on your treasures which are in heaven, in Jesus name…Amen!
Continuing in His service…Rev
