Seek ye first the kingdom of God
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
Lay up treasures above (Matthew 6: 19-24)
Matthew 6:19-24 teaches that believers should prioritize eternal, heavenly treasures over temporary, earthly ones, as material possessions are vulnerable to destruction and theft. Jesus emphasizes that a person’s heart follows their treasure, and it is impossible to serve both God and money (mammon), urging a singular devotion to God.
Treasures in Heaven vs. Earth (Matthew 6: 19-21):
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Earthly wealth (clothing, food, money) is corruptible by moth and rust (or decay/pests) and insecure, while heavenly treasures are permanent. Storing treasure in heaven involves using resources for God’s kingdom, such as generosity and service.
The Eye as a Lamp (Matthew 6:22-23):
22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
A “clear” or “single” eye signifies a heart fully focused on God, filling the life with light.
A “bad” or divided eye reflects a focus on materialism, leading to spiritual darkness.
Two masters (Matthew 6:24)
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Jesus declares that one cannot serve both God and money (Mammon). Money demands total allegiance, acting as a master (idol) that conflicts with devotion to God.
Conclusion:
The passage is not condemning owning possessions, but rather the act of “hoarding” or finding security in them. It calls for a, shift in perspective from hoarding wealth to prioritizing the kingdom of God. The central message is that the location of your treasure (material vs. spiritual) reveals your true allegiance.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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