Today’s culture is one of ‘getting’. We buy one thing, but then something new and better is released, and we think we need that. We want to get the promotion and the raise. We think that new things, and more money, will make us happy. But Jesus said: ‘Life is not measured by how much one owns.’ What we think will be a blessing can end up being a burden. What we strive for today can cause us stress tomorrow. When money or materialism become our main focus, we lose sight of God and the blessings He has for us. In Matthew 6 we’re told, ‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money’ (v.24 NIV). God knows our needs, and promises to provide for them. Jesus said, ‘Your heavenly Father…knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…and he will give you everything you need’ (Matthew 6:32-33 NLT). Where is our treasure? That’s a really important question to ask ourselves, because the Bible tells us that where our treasure is, our heart is there too. ‘Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’ (Matthew 6:20-21 NIV). So if we think our treasure is our possessions and our money, our heart will be in the world. But if we know our real treasure is in heaven, then our heart will be focused on God and the blessings He promises us.

What Now?

Make a list of things you need to buy which are necessities, and a list of things you want, but can live without. Commit to just buying necessities for a week.