Read: Matthew 6:19-21

Listen: Matthew 6

But 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

In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus ties the location of someone’s heart to how they spend their wealth. He knows that the accumulation of wealth for its own sake is deceptive because one can find an inaccurate assessment of one’s spirituality in wealth. If they spend their wealth on themselves, they are likely self-centered or indifferent to the needs of those around them. If someone is generous with their money, they are likely to care about those around them. Jesus teaches that a person’s heart tends to follow their money.

This connection between one’s heart and finances might surprise us if we just tend to give when we feel like it. We may think giving follows feelings, but Jesus says our feelings will follow our giving. This means giving is an opportunity for us to grow in spiritual maturity. This may be a new idea if we typically confine spiritual growth to only things like Bible reading, prayer and Bible memorization. These practices will indeed help us grow to be like Jesus, but Jesus says giving will also help us develop a heart like his. This is especially true when we don’t necessarily feel like giving.

TODAY: Consider how you and your family can participate in Ada Bible Church’s Giving Tables. Participating in Giving Tables is an opportunity to support families in western Michigan through our partnerships with local mission organizations. You can find their shopping lists and more information here.