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Matthew 6:19-21

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I have always thought the verse, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” should have read, “For where your heart is, there your treasure will be also.” Don’t we always follow our hearts? Well, Jesus knew exactly what the word placement should be. He understood that a person’s heart always beats for what is treasured.

It’s hard for us to get a good handle on our hearts. I have seen the most “rational” people rationalize the most ridiculous things. I have seen many “spiritual” people spiritualize the most earthly things. I have seen “godly” people go down a God-forsaken path. The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah said it well, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). We need to evaluate the tangible things in our lives to determine where our hearts are.

• Evaluate your checkbook. Where is your money going? That’s where your heart is.
• Assess your schedule. How do you spend your time? That’s where your heart is.
• Entertainment? How do you amuse yourself? That’s where your heart is.
• What’s in your Internet history? That’s where your heart is.
• Journal your thoughts. What are the recurring themes? That’s where your heart is.
• Replay your conversations. How do you use words? That’s what’s in your heart.

Our “treasure” is the best tool to evaluate our hearts.  Convicting, isn’t it?

Father, I want my heart to beat for You.  Help me slow down long enough to assess where my heart is by evaluating where I put my money, time and energy. Where I am off base, give me the desire to repent, and the courage to change. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

The Book of Job