‘Treasure’ can be many things apart from money or material possessions. What about status, or comfort, or your own family or your vocation or particular ministry? Any of these things become your ‘treasure’ when they become the most important thing in your life, and you put them before anything else, including the Kingdom. This verse is asking “What actually is the most important thing in your life? What is your heart set on? Is it serving God’s Kingdom? Or something else?”

As kingdom people we have to seek first the kingdom of God. He then assures us that all other things will be added to us. Give and it will be given back to us , pressed down, shaken together and running over. There is nothing wrong with having the material things and God knows we need them but they have to have their right place in our list of prioroties and should never be our driving force.

What a pithy comment, so relevant for our world. How many people focus of material advancement with hearts caring only for what they can get? How empty their treasure chests! In everyday terms, my treasure is my family and how great is that treasure. But more than that, if we are God centred in all we do then we are overwhelmed with blessings. The parable of the talents has come into my mind. God’s love has a fanatastic return on investment!

The last three verses have been most instructive along with recent changes for me. Having retired last year (a little late) I have had to adjust to a significant reduction in income. It is amazing how one learns to adjust and to realize which of those material ‘treasures’ one can live without! Which are no longer so important or which desires can be satisfied another way. Yet for me, today’s verse caps the lot. The answer is so easy. my wife, children and grandchildren are my earthly treasure and nothing compares with them! I thank the Lord for them all and for Jesus teaching on what to value.

Budget Day this week.  Worried about Taxation?  Inflation?  Stirling? 
Do you want a secure home for your wealth?  An investment you can grow, inflation-proof, tax-free?  An ultra-high return, with absolute security?
If that’s what you’re looking for, then maybe it’s time.  Time to become a non-dom.  Apply for further details by prayer only, please.

For a Christian the relationship with God should be the motivating factor. We must allow God to work through us. That’s the real treasure. Then He will be our guide us in our thoughts and actions.

We live in a world where having treasure and wanting more is held up as an important goal. We are encouraged to think that treasure seeking is the ultimate goal in life. Jesus, as usual, questions this and asks us to think what brings true and lasting happiness. As kingdom people we are challenged to seek happiness through changing the world. Our treasure and peace of heart is found through transforming the lives of those around us - often with no reward and often in the face of ridicule or rejection. Today change people’s lives in some small way and feel the peace of God in your heart!

If we do “good” things grudgingly, they are not worth much in God’s eyes.  If our heart is not in it there is something wrong.  We need to invite God into our lives so that our heart’s desire is to do God’s will.

In the words of saint Theresa,  “Do not strive, just allow God to work through you”