Posted by Church of God of Carmichael on Sunday, June 21, 2020
TEXT: MATTHEW 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
MATTHEW 19:16-22
16 And behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder. Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19 Honour thy father and thy mother: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Where our treasure is, our heart is going to be in the same place. There’s always going to be a decision that has to be made. The first; Is there a God, or isn’t there a God? The world confronts us with that decision. Is there a God, and is that relevant? We have to confront that question, even if once upon a time we already had. It will come to face us again. For this Father’s day, let’s consider the relationship of the father and the child. We are the child, and we have a Heavenly Father. No matter if one has come to that relationship, it’s the same for every human being. We are a creation of God, and He intends for us to be His child. Whether we do, or not. Whether we acknowledge it or submit to it, that’s another question. That is the relationship God intends for everyone on this planet. The relationship between Father and child. Trust is such a valuable thing! It is so easily broken. So valuable to gain, but a fragile thing. Trust. A lot of people are having trouble today trusting God, or anything in the things they have been told to trust, in things they should be able to trust in. Consider our treasure and our trust. Where you place your trust, will depend on the value that you place in the treasure. “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 This person has learned where his treasure is, and to place his trust there. One of the reasons he’s done this is because he has begun a relationship with God, which he describes as his strength and his song. And this relationship has produced his salvation!
The scripture doesn’t describe Salvation as does the cultural Christianity of today. The relationship with God is special! It’s not casual, and not easy for it to come and go. It begins when we make the decision to separate ourselves from all those things that separate us from God. If you have this experience, it’s because you came to the decision one day, “I no longer want to continue the way I’ve been walking. Just religion” hasn’t helped me. I’m a sinner, but a religious one, and that’s no better than a “sinner-sinner!” So we get to the place, where we want something different, something better! And he calls that here, “My strength and my song!” A decision that can be made, even on “Father’s Day!” You might even be in church and realize, “I don’t have the strength and song you’re talking about!” I have religion, and I may be a fan of all things “christian.” I might like the music, worship, friendships, social atmosphere…but I’m not really a follower. To be a follower is a special relationship that happens when you forsake your way and your thoughts. You recognize, “I have acquired my parent’s religion or social religion, but I don’t have my own experience with God! Not this experience of treasure! Hopefully you will realize “what I have is not enough! ” This doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. I must come to the place that this life is not one that one the Lord wants me to live. So I will repent, or change, asking the Lord to save me and the Lord will give me a different life. Forgiveness of my sins, and a new way of living! But if there’s not a change of motive in our heart, we tend to fall back into those things that got us into trouble. Then it becomes a “roller coaster” of ups and downs. So we go into this of just saying, “I am just tired of this!” Tired of trying and falling, of failing and succeeding. and it’s wearing me out!
God’s word teaches He has a better experience than that! We understand that, that experience isn’t going to happen until we get to the place where we dedicate ALL of us! You might come and say, “I’m not able to do this.” I’m only a short time here, because it’s wearing me out.” I’m falling back and having trouble living a holy life” And that is because you haven’t given all yourself to God. That part of your self which is even yet unknown to you. Things that are going to happen to you, as well as those desires you now have which will lead you back to trouble. There comes a point in your experience where you’re willing to let go of those desires and you are willing to consecrate your future so no matter what it is, the same prayer of earnest repentance can also be asked of God, “Can you consecrate me, seal me?” This gives God something to oil your gears with. It’s the Spirit of God that “oils our gears,” so they are not squeaky, rusty, and hard,” For God has an experience so much better than that! The oil of joy, is the Spirit of God! Ask God for that oil of joy! Ask God, “take out the desire for sin and the world.” Help me consecrate myself so matter what the heartaches are, no matter what I don’t yet have, help me to be consecrated so you are my first love! My treasure and trust! You will put your trust where your love is!
Our Trust and Our Treasure