Where My Treasure Is

John 10:9-11; Matthew 6:19-20, 33

My pastor likes to remind us that the Devil’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. 

He steals our peace.

He kills our hope.

He destroys our faith.

When we are aware of Satan’s activities we are more equipped to fight against him. If I’m worrying about a difficult circumstance and can’t find peace, when negative thoughts chase themselves around in my brain all night, it might help to know that Satan is at work encouraging me to worry more. 

The answer, of course, is to pray. If I turn my concerns over to God, He will give me peace.

But perhaps there’s a more fundamental solution to the problem. Maybe there’s a lifestyle change I can make that will keep me from worrying in the future.

My devotions recently have taken me to the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus tells us how to trust God. The key lies in where our treasure is. If my treasures are stored in heaven, they won’t rust and can’t be stolen. If my treasures are stored on earth, they’re vulnerable to rust and theft.

My treasures, of course, are the things I value most. The things I love. There are lots of things I love on earth.

My home

Serving others

Family and friends

Being creative by writing and sewing

Activities like reading, swimming, gardening

While all these things are good, they can be destroyed. They can rust or be taken from me. Satan can use them to destroy my peace and trust in God.

On the other hand, the thing I love in heaven is God. So if I obey another verse from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:33) and put God first – treasure Him above everything else – I will not only have a treasure that can’t be stolen, but He’ll also give me everything else I need.

Protecting myself from Satan is simple. Just put God first.

It’s also the hardest thing to do.