Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” NASB

I suggest reading through verse thirty-four in this chapter for the full view of what I wish to address.  The Bible is a Book of Precepts and Principles!  Here in the heart of the Sermon on the Mount our LORD addresses a powerful issue of provision and opens the door to a tremendous truth regarding His love and care for those who follow Him.  He exposes the sham and fallacy of following or seeking anything above Him.  He addresses the issue of trying to use God for personal gain. 

The principle and message are clear, and we dare not misunderstand or misapply this revelation.  The principle taught throughout the Bible is, “God Must Be Lord of All or He is Not Lord at all.”  That shines forth brilliantly in this passage and provides some wonderful insight into God’s heart.  Deuteronomy 5:7 instructs that we are to have no other gods before Jehovah God.  Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; and Luke 10:27 advise that we are to love God with our entire being, body, soul, spirit, and mind. 

The Precept is “God Must Occupy the Top Place in Our Lives.”  His character, nature, justice, love, mercy, holiness, and righteousness will allow nothing less.  There can be no cohabitation of the Spirit of God and the spirit of darkness.  [James 4:10-12].  The Evidence that God Occupies the Top Place in Our Lives is found our Love, demonstrated love for Him. 

In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”  That indicates that if I love God with my all then I will do all that is within the realm of my ability and power to do that which He desires.  In 1 John 2:15 we are directed, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”  That is painfully clear and wonderfully promising.

The evidence that God does not occupy the top place in our lives is evident in the converse of those passages.  We do not love Him with our all.  We love the world and what it offers more than we love God and His kingdom.  We pursue things over Him and His kingdom. 

I ask that you note the order and emphasis that our LORD places in His discourse.  He gives commands to refuse and then to receive.  He gives actions to be taken, principles are explained, dangers are explored, and the victory that is available is highlighted. 

Look at verses 19-20 of Matthew 6 and see the order of priorities in life.  I ask that you refer to the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 for confirmation and clarity.  In verse 21 we have His explanation of the commandment.  This is a true revelation of the condition of our hearts and the genuineness of our love.  What is most important to us will be most sought after by us.  What is most important to us will command and hold our love and loyalty. 

In verses 22-23 we find the results of the placement of priorities.  In verse 24 we find the contrast and challenge that it is either God or the world.  In verse 25 we read the words, “For this reason…”  For this reason, do the following which details the total commitment of the total man.  It frees from Fear, Worry, Carnal Lust, and enables us to totally pursue the purposes and work of God.

In verse 30 we see God’s supply and in verse 32 we hear our Lord’s exhortation to avoid worldliness and in verse 33 we discover the solution.  God wants the best for our lives.  Jesus powerfully declared in Luke 12:32, “Fear not little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

God wants us to seek that which He wants to give. He will give the desire and when the conditions are met give the provision.  God wants to supply all our need and equip us for service and life.  To have the Perpetual Provision of God we must allow Him to occupy the top place in our lives. Please do not make God an afterthought or an addendum but the focus of your life!

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!