Devotionals by Dr. M. Craig Barnes
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Often when the Bible introduces a new character to us, the person is holding something they treasure. It's something on which they are betting their lives. Abraham was clinging to what little family he had. Moses was holding onto a shepherd's staff. David had a slingshot. Some of the disciples were holding fishing nets when we first met them. The rich, young ruler was clutching his wealth tightly. A poor widow was holding two copper coins, all that she had.
It may be money, a weapon, a profession, or a relationship. It may be little or a lot. But before these people encountered God, they always had some cherished treasure. And they held it so tightly, because with this treasure life seemed secure and hopeful. Without it, they felt vulnerable in the harsh world. So it's not surprising that God always asked people if they would give him this treasure. It was the only way he could be their God.
This is why Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." When Jesus made this statement, he was talking about earthly treasures like money, which, as he said, nobody gets to keep holding after they die. The only things that we carry with us across the river of death are the eternal treasures like faith, hope, and love. If you want to know if you have invested your heart in these things, Jesus would tell you to take a hard look at your checkbook. Because your treasure and your heart are always in the same place.
-- Craig Barnes