This is a simple enough verse to read but a difficult one to believe and actually live out. The verse right before it says, “Store up treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” It is amazing that when we commit ourselves to Jesus and continue to grow the treasures we receive cannot be messed with. The Holy Spirit will work in us for our good if we store up our treasure in heaven.
As soon as we get locked on to material things or people we open our hearts for disappointment and we fixate on things that are not important. As we grow in our walk with the Lord our desires should grow as well and the things of this world aren’t as appealing to us. But the same works for the world, if we get caught up in the world our desires for pleasing God aren’t as important. This causes us to miss out on the joy of this world that God is offering and the light that we shine for others to see.
Look at what Jesus says in Matthew chapter 6 verse 22, “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.” When you take the time to open God’s word and study it so you can change or transform you are taking in light that helps you live like Christ lived. But if our focus is on stuff; money, children, our spouse or anything else that light can flicker and cause it not to shine.
In verse 23 Jesus really gives a good depiction of this by saying, “But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!” Warren Wiersbe says it perfectly in his commentary, “If the eye is properly focused on the light, the body can function properly in its movements. But having the eye out of focus and seeing double results in unsteady movements. Making progress is most difficult while trying to look in two directions at the same time.”
Focus is so important as we surrender to follow Christ not lead our own lives. It is much easier to lead than it is to follow, my challenge is to give up control and remember that because of Jesus we have eternal life and need not worry about this world and the things in it. I want to finish with what Jesus says in Matthew chapter 6 verse 33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” Amen