Where you put your treasure...

Jesus tells us, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be” (Matthew 6:21). Many people seem to hear what Jesus said backward. They think he said, “Where your heart is, that’s where your treasure will end up.”

I’ve heard sermons about this that go something like this:

People spend their money on the things they truly care about.

If you look back over your check register, you will see what is most important to you.

Do you spend more money on sporting events than on giving to the church? Then, that is where your heart is.

Well, that might all be true, but it isn’t what Jesus said. He didn’t say: “Where your heart is, there your treasure will be.” Listen, he said it the other way around: Where you put your treasure, that is where your heart will go.

Most people know there is a close connection between generous giving and spiritual devotion. They know that the latter can motivate the former: People who are spiritually mature often give generously of their time and talents and money.