January 26. Matthew 6

treasure in heaven

2020 was a year of events that quickly changed our lives and made our futures uncertain. With pandemic fears, economic stress, racial unrest, and political tension, there was no shortage of issues to bring us anxiety and worry. The issues have continued into the new year, with new challenges certain to come.

As followers of Jesus, our security should come from our faith in his sacrifice for our salvation, and our hope in being with him in heaven. However, we sometimes put our trust in ourselves and look for security in other things, like our jobs, savings, possessions, relationships, and even our spiritual reputation. In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us that when we do this, we’re acting like the “hypocrites”.

The word “hypocrite” is from Greek theater and was used to describe actors playing a part, pretending to be someone they weren’t. The reward for their efforts was applause from the audience. We can be like them spiritually at times, wanting to have our righteous acts recognized and even applauded. Jesus tells us that if we seek recognition for our righteousness, that recognition will be our reward. However, if we want a real reward, we need to seek treasure from heaven.

Jesus uses examples of giving to others, prayer, and fasting. These are all good spiritual things to do, but not if we see our reward as being recognized and applauded. We should do them out of our trust and security in our relationship with God, not to prove our righteousness to others.

It takes great faith to trust that our reward will be treasure in heaven. How do we know we’ll be taken care of if we give what we have to the poor? Will God really answer our prayers? When we fast, will God really provide for us? Jesus tells us to not worry, that our Father knows what we need.

With so many challenges this last year, many of us may be feeling anxious and insecure about the future. We may look to things other than God for answers and security. We need to instead trust that God has a reward for us in heaven and put our trust in him. If we put our treasure in heaven, our heart will be there also.

Are you putting your trust in God and treasures from heaven, or in yourself or things in this world?