WHO OR WHAT IS FIRST?

In Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV) Jesus tells us, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Your treasure may be your time.  It could be your talent.  It could also be your money.  As I think through this, I feel that if we put any of these treasures before God, we are serving them as an idol.  It begs the question of “Does God come first?”  And if we answer that honestly, how generous are we with giving of what comes second, third or so fourth.  Our level of generosity is not a choice but the result of another choice.  We speak of freedom of choice, which may lead us to think that we have the freedom of whether or not to be generous.  However, our real choice determines all of our other choices.

What decision will determine if giving and serving generously is not only possible, but likely, even compelling?  When we think deeply and consider the first things first, our minds, as Christ-followers, will be focused on being led by the Spirit and we will recognize real, lasting treasure and therefore be full of light (Matthew 6:22 (ESV) “The eye is the lamp of the body.  So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.”  If the world’s treasure is also yours, Scripture tell us that your life will be filled with darkness (despair), none of which is satisfying or eternal.  

Jesus goes on in Matthew 6:23 (ESV) “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.” These are absolutes.  There is no middle ground.  You are either serving God or you are a slave to material, tangible things, like time, talent or money.