PC3 Devotions 11-3-2014 If Only Matthew 6:19-21 19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Insight What does it mean that our hearts follow our treasure? Think about the things that keep you up at night. What topic tends to dominate your thoughts when you are tossing and turning in bed? Are you worried and distraught over past due bills, making ends meet, saving for the kids’ college and putting food on the table? Do you find yourself wrestling with envy over what others have or dreaming of the perfect car, vacation or beach home? When these thoughts get traction in our minds, our hearts are quick to follow. We start down the dangerous road of thinking, “If only I had this or that, then I’d be free to live the life I’ve always wanted,” or “If only this bill were paid…,” “If only I made this amount of money, then I’d no longer worry.” Destination thinking is not reserved, however, for those who financially struggle. If you are in a more wealthy situation your thoughts may sound more like “If only life could be more simple,” “If only I could just sell everything, live on a boat and travel the world,” or “If only I didn’t have the responsibility that comes with wealth.” Ironically, the same things that some of us desire and think of as a means to freedom also stand in the way of freedom for those who have them. Money really can’t buy happiness, and the reason for this is that you drift in the direction of your money (or lack thereof). No matter how much or how little you have, your heart is scattered as your spending. Whether you consider yourself to be financially secure, financially struggling or you fall somewhere in-between, you are consumed with the desire for more freedom, which none of these scenarios seem to deliver. For many of you, your solution is to continue down the same path, thinking that eventually you are bound to reach some final destination. The reality is that such a place doesn’t exist. Doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results is a sign of insanity, yet when it comes to our financial lifestyles, it’s how most of us live. For this reason, we become consumed with more want, more worry or both. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be examining what our money and financial issues reveal about our heart. But, today, we want to begin by slowing down long enough to reflect on our “if only” financial statements. Reflection Where do you find yourself saying, “if only” in terms of your finances? What would you say is the desire of your heart when it comes to money? What does this say about where your treasure is going? Prayer God, without paying attention, my heart and mind gravitate towards destination thinking. Open my eyes to where I say “if only” when it comes to my finances. Help me to understand that peace and contentment can only be found in You and You alone. In Jesus name, Amen.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 13:28:18 +0000