A DIFFERENT TREASURE

LUKE 12:29-34 NKJ 
29 "And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 
32 "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 
 

OBSERVATION:

Jesus is teaching about the worries of life. He is advocating not being caught up in worry and striving. He also contrasts God's people versus the nations of the world.   

The nations of the world would indicate those without God. They are constantly seeking for their own good. What they will eat and drink and the stuff this life presents.   

On the other hand, those who belong to God have a different motivation. We are to seek God and His kingdom first. That will involve seeking how God's kingdom operates.   

God's kingdom does not operate on selfishness. God knows what we need, so we are free to help and to give to others. Jesus encouraged giving as a way to store up eternal treasure.  

Then He brought the message home. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.   

The nations of the world treasure their own gain. It's all about them and what they want.   

But we are to treasure God and the advancement of His kingdom. We even have a promise attached that if we will put God's kingdom first, all this other stuff will be added to us.   

God is on our side. He wants us to be taken care of. I believe He wants us to live in abundance. But He wants us to do it His way.  

APPLICATION: 

When Jesus talks about God's kingdom, He is also talking about a different way of living.   

God's kingdom is to be our treasure. And that is very different from a greedy, grabby world.   

But God's kingdom is eternal. The things and interests the world pursues are so temporary.   

So set your heart on pleasing God and advancing His kingdom. If your heart is there, your treasure is there, and amazing things will begin to open up in your life. Different treasure, different reward.   

PRAYER: 

Dear Father, show me how I can practically seek Your kingdom first. Show me how to pursue a different treasure.