Read Matthew 6:19-34. In the Christian life, we face endless decisions every day. We need heavenly wisdom to choose wisely. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers us four choices that have the power to shape our life here on earth. How we handle them today will echo throughout eternity.
First, He gives us a choice between two investment banks. We can either store up treasure on earth, "where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal," or store our treasures in heaven (see Matthew 6:19-20). Where will you ultimately invest—in the local bank, where they give a fraction of a percent interest, or in the bank of heaven, where you'll earn a hundred-fold harvest?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers us four choices that have the power to shape our life here on earth.
Second, Jesus gives us a choice between stumbling around in the darkness or walking in the light. He says, "If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light" (v. 22). But what Jesus is saying has nothing to do with our physical eyes. Rather, He's warning us that hoarding our earthly blessings will plunge us into darkness. However, investing in the Kingdom of God will give us a vision for life. If you want to be able to see where you are going, take hold of the eternal vision Jesus offers.
Third, Jesus tells us we have a choice about whom we will serve. "No one can serve two masters" (v. 24). Either we will serve our money and possessions, or we will serve the Lord our God. To split our loyalty between God and anyone or anything else is idolatry. God wants our undivided and unfettered devotion.
To me, the choice is very clear. I choose the one who died for me, the one who loved me when I reviled Him, the one who knew me by name before the foundation of the world, the one who loved me when there was nothing lovely in me, the one who redeemed me and gave me everlasting hope.
Fourth, Jesus says we have a choice about whether or not we will worry. In reality, if we have chosen well in the first three decisions, we will not have to worry. For consider this: When you choose to invest in heavenly things, when you choose God's vision for your life, when you choose a loving God as your master, what is there to worry about?
Prayer: Jesus, thank You that You have revealed Your way of wisdom in Your Word. May I choose to follow You and find shelter and peace in the shadow of Your wings. Help me to seek to live righteously in service to You for my good and for the blessing of those You put in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Appropriating the Happiness That Is in You: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW
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