How absurd it is for us Christians to find ourselves becoming God’s greatest adversaries. There seems to be no conflict between choosing what you desire, and choosing what God desires. But the heart of the matter is this: what we think is good is often very different from what God thinks is good.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 6, verses 19 to 21, Jesus said: “ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

What does this Bible passage mean to us? We must acknowledge that our perspective is shallow, often fixating on immediate worldly matters, especially instant gratification, pleasures, and all the wealth that can be exchanged for these satisfactions. We are even willing to sacrifice some of the more important things in our lives, such as family and health, in exchange for what the Bible describes as “treasures on earth”, things that we will eventually lose for various reasons. The enemy is well aware of our weaknesses, so it will attempt to disguise these things as beneficial to us, setting traps and patiently waiting for us to fall into its traps.

The result is that we no longer have time to get close to the One who can give us treasures in heaven. The scary thing is that these treasures on earth are the very places where the devil lurks with malicious intent.

The last verse of this Bible passage teaches us that when our treasures belong to this world, our hearts are there as well. Then we will naturally look for treasures there and end up falling into a trap. We would rather seek to find these earthly treasures in all creation. Being deceived, we are ultimately unable to find God in all things (cf. Matthew 6:22-24).

On the contrary, Jesus said: “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) These words of Jesus should bring us great joy and comfort, because this is the promise He gives us, the evidence of His love, and a guarantee for those who follow Him. It is something that no one or anything in the world can provide us. He will surely provide all our needs.

Does this mean that when we seek and follow God, He will provide us with all earthly treasures? I believe you are smart enough to know the answer. Although following God does not mean that God will definitely provide us with earthly treasures, when we have God and the tangible and intangible grace He bestows upon us, other things will become less important to us.

In fact, when you put God first, the world you perceive will become different because you will gradually see things through God’s perspective. By then, although you may have less material possessions, your spiritual satisfaction will be richer than if you owned the entire world!

This is the reason behind the testimonies we often hear from people who have chosen God: “When I have God, I have everything.”

Therefore, for those of us who believe in God, we should no longer live in contradictions. If we don’t believe in eternal life, we can just focus on earthly desires and pleasures. However, if we believe in God and His promise of eternal life, recognizing that the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Holy Spirit are different, yet we still choose the desires of this world, we are essentially sacrificing the eternal treasures of heaven for the pursuit of transient worldly pleasures. Is it worth it?

In the Letter to the Galatians, chapter 5, verse 17, St. Paul says, “For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want.” (Galatians 5:17)

Reflection

Where do you think your treasure is?

When you make choices in life, do you feel that your perspective is usually shallow or far-sighted? Why?

Are you aware that earth and heaven, flesh and spirit, are constantly in conflict with each other in your life choices? Do you believe that when you choose the Kingdom of God and its righteousness, your other needs will be provided to you?

Today’s Prayer

Lord, although I know I should choose You, I often succumb to temptation. In life and in my actions, I choose myself, satisfying my desires and pursuing the treasures of this world. I am frustrated with my weakness and indecision. Please, once again, make me sober, help me realize that I have no reason not to choose You, and prevent me from yielding to my worldly desires. Do not let me stray from Your merciful gaze and betray the expectations You have for my repentance.

Lord, teach me to trust in You once again!

Fundraising Appeal

The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding God in All Things” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Project Manager: Michael Lam
Writer: Paul Yeung
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: Bonny Chan
Mandarin Narrator: Rene Ren
Audio Editors: Fonte Ip, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Fonte Ip, Sander Lee, Arnold Chan
Graphics: Francis Lai, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Theme Music:
“Friends Only” by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist
“Watercolor Lilies” by Aaron Kenny https://youtube.com/@contactkennya