How to Shift Your Focus to Eternal Treasure Instead of Worldly Treasure

I was recently reading through the book, Counter Culture, and came across two lines from the author, David Platt, that I couldn’t stop thinking about. The two lines read as follows:

“Jesus’ words are not a call to sacrifice as much as they are a call to satisfaction. In the end, Jesus is not calling this man away from treasure; he’s calling him to treasure.”

The quote is in response to the rich young ruler being told by Jesus to “Go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (Mark 10:21).That opened my eyes. I have always read that passage thinking, “The ruler won’t give up his treasure because it’s too much to sacrifice.” While this is true, God is calling this man to treasure, not away from it. One that is unseen, but promised. However, he rather trust in personal riches seen than promised treasures unseen.

How tragic is it, if we would seek fleeting treasure in its present form rather than the eternal treasures promised by God? God who is always holy and always trustworthy.

While it is tempting to focus on what we are materialistically sacrificing, our focus should move to what is eternally secure. Our treasure awaits us with open arms when we faithfully finish what God has called us to, a life of faith in Him and His promises. He sits at the right hand of God as our eternal, forever satisfying treasure. Until then, may we give to see God’s kingdom advanced in all the world.

Related Post: What Are You Building?

How are we stewarding what we have right now for the greater good of God’s kingdom advancing? I challenge us to think of our giving as a call to treasure rather than a call away from it. There is a treasure that awaits those who love God that far outweighs those of this earth.

Here are 2 of God's commands to see Him as our treasure:

• Check our hearts: God commands that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). If our heart isn’t renewed to see our treasure as God’s treasure, may we seek from God a renewal of our hearts.
• Check our recipient of our love: God commands us to obtain money honestly but not to love money, “for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10). Which master do we love and serve? God or money?

No moth and rust to destroy. No thieves to break in and steal. But treasure that last forever! Let us faithfully run to everlasting treasure!