Treasure: A Matter of Perspective
Matthew 6:19-21
By Harold Dinsmore, M.Div.
© 2008 Harold Dinsmore

Every year, our stewardship committee seeks to provide our congregation a biblical base for giving.  It is taught that it is better to give than to receive.¹   How so?  Our text this morning deals with the treasure concept.  What it does is to cut right into the heart of the matter – namely what do we treasure the most?  Look at our text.  “Don't collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.  But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don't break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  I ask you today, where is your treasure?

From the words of Jesus Himself, I sense a little sarcasm.  He already knows where we place a great deal of emphasis during our lifetime.  We were driving out along Ward Parkway yesterday.  There were homes that were the size of many large churches with expensive gates and security systems and large, expensive automobiles.  That’s one lifestyle.  But even those of us who don’t have that kind of means can and do get caught up in the material rat race.  Jesus knew and knows the nature of humanity.  He knew and understood the temptations.

It was His unique perspective that caused Him to say what He said.  Our time here on earth is relatively short when compared to eternity.  One could have all the money in the world, but it doesn’t go with you when you are lowered into the ground.