In this life, we have a choice to make every single day when we wake up. We can seek to survive—focusing solely on our physical needs, wants, and desires. Or we can seek to thrive—focusing on eternal treasures that bring us true peace, joy, comfort, and sustenance.
Matthew 6:19
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Here in west Louisville, we are very familiar with corruption, and destruction. There is little respect for property, and hard work. Theft, and death are unfortunately a common occurrence. And it’s not just west Louisville, this is common to cities all over the United States and the world. Jesus is telling us not to lay up for ourselves treasures upon earth where moth and rust corrupts, and where thieves break through and steel. But many people choose to prioritize earthly treasures and possessions over the things of God in their life.
For example: There are people that will spend tens of thousands of dollars on their vehicles. They will spend 100s of hours keeping it perfectly clean. Washing and waxing every week. Putting an enormous amount of time and energy into the vehicles that they love so much. But it only takes a split second for that vehicle to be completely destroyed in a wreck. Or it could get stolen in a moment and they’ll never see it again. It happens all the time everywhere.
I really want you to allow God’s Word to challenge you this morning. Think about all the things in your life that are temporary. Temporary means things that only last for a limited time. Things that are not permanent. All your physical possessions that you own are temporary. Every material thing that you have right now will be gone someday. Everything that you do to satisfy your flesh is temporary.
1 Timothy 6:7
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
Ecclesiastes 5:15
As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.
Different Lives Same Pursuit
I want you to consider two different scenarios. On the one hand you have an individual that makes a decent amount of money. They work hard, and they are able to purchase a large fancy home, nice cars, and expensive toys. This individual continues to obtain more and more physical possessions because the world says these things will bring happiness.
But on the other hand, you have someone that is just trying to get by in life. Maybe this person walks the streets trying to figure out how they are going to make their next dollar. Or maybe they don’t even know where they are going to sleep at night. Maybe they find themselves asking people for money a lot. (Everyone needs help sometimes in their life.) But this individual is in a constant struggle to find a way to get by.
On the surface, their lives may seem worlds apart, but both are driven by the same pursuit—earthly, material things.
Matthew 6:19-21
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Many people in this world fall into these two categories. Maybe you have a lot of material possessions and you’re continuing to add more and more to what you already have. Or maybe you don’t have much at all and you are chasing that next dollar each day.
Jesus is warning us to stop focusing on earthly things and start focusing on heavenly things.
Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Earthly Things That Pass Away
If the earthly things in this life are your treasures, then that’s what you are going to set your heart towards, and you will waste your life chasing those earthly things.
2 Peter 3:10-11
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
1 John 2:17
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
I want to list a few things that people can easily set their hearts toward. These things can become your treasure if you’re not careful.
- Upgrading Lifestyle for Status
Continuously buying the newest phone, car, or home improvements—not for need, but to impress others or feel more successful. - Overworking for Wealth
Prioritizing career and financial growth so much that spiritual life, family time, and church involvement are neglected. - Materialism in Parenting
Raising children to chase scholarships, sports trophies, and career success above character, faith, and service. - Excessive Comfort or Entertainment
Spending heavily on entertainment—TVs, vacations, hobbies. - Gambling or Lottery Obsession
Putting hope in scratch-offs, betting, or casino trips as a way to “make it”. Seeking instant wealth. - Chasing Brand Name Status
Sacrificing necessities to wear designer clothes or expensive shoes to project image and status among peers. - Living for the Next Check
Finding hope only in payday, not in Christ—focusing life around just surviving.
These are just a few things that can become our treasures, and maybe some of us do have our hearts set on these things in our lives. But just understand that everything that I just listed will not last. We are only here for a short time. Don’t spend that time laying up treasures on this earth when all these things will pass away.
Matthew 6:22-24
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
The Window of Your Mind
Think about your eyes for a second. Your eye is sort of like the window of your mind. Just like a window lets light into a house, your eye, or what you focus on, let’s either spiritual light or darkness into your life.
Matthew 6:22
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
Single in this verse means: pure; simple; not corrupted. If your eye is pure, If you are focusing and looking on Godly things that are good, and not corrupted, then your body will be full of light.
But if you have an eye that is looking toward evil things, greed, lust of the flesh, material things, then your life will be filled with darkness.
Proverbs 4:25-27
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Psalm 101:3-4
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
We need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus Christ and His Word. Seeking after good things that are eternal.
Colossians 3:1-2
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Matthew 6:24
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Choose Who You Will Serve
That word mammon is referring to material wealth, riches, or possessions. Jesus is saying that we cannot have two masters in our life. We cannot have a good eye that wants good while we are in church, and then when leave church we have an evil eye that seeks after darkness. You can’t serve both God and your flesh. You are either going to hate one and love the other, or you’ll hold to one and despise the other. We can’t try to serve both.
Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
I want to encourage you all today, everyone here that believes in Jesus Christ, you are my brothers and sisters, and I’m asking you to choose you this day whom ye will serve. Make that choice. Don’t sit in between the fence. Will you choose to serve your flesh? Will you choose to serve the temporary things that will burn up and be destroyed? Or will you serve the Lord and build treasures that will last forever? The choice seems simple, but many choose the first rather than the latter. Me and my house will choose to serve the Lord. What will you choose? I pray that you choose to serve the Lord with us.
And when you choose to serve the Lord, He promises you great things…
Matthew 6:25-30
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Promised Provisions
When you choose to serve God in your life, Jesus is saying you don’t have to take thought for your life. You do not need to be worried about your provisions. God will provide for you.
Matthew 6:31-32
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
So if you are that individual that is chasing your next dollar. If you are constantly trying to figure out where you’re going to get your next meal or clothes to wear. You need to stop searching for those earthly things. You need to stop seeking to survive, and you need to seek to thrive through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
All these things that Jesus described, food, drink, and clothing will be added unto you if you simply seek God first in your life.
Psalm 37:23-25
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. 25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
If you find yourself begging for bread every single day, and understand what I’m saying, if you are constantly going to man for your provisions, it’s time to stop and start seeking after the Lord.
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
God does not forsake those that seek after Him. He will provide for you. He will give you everything you need in life, all he asks is for you to seek him first before you seek other things.
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Heavenly Things That Last Forever
How do you seek the Kingdom of God? I want to give you five things you can do to seek God first in your life.
- Prioritize Church Above Other Things.
If you have a job that prevents you from coming to church, it’s time to find another job. If there are activities or priorities in your life that you place above going to church, you are not seeking God first. I want you to think about this, if you choose to work instead of going to church, what you’re saying is that you are a better provider than God. Who do you think is a better provider, you, or God?Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. - Read God’s Word Daily
More important than physical food, we need spiritual food. Just like you don’t want to go a day without eating, don’t go a day without opening God’s Word. Keep a bible next to your bed, or use a Bible app on your phone and start your day with the Word of God. Read or listen to it throughout the day.Matthew 4:4
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.Jeremiah 15:16
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. - Pray To The Lord Faithfully
We talked about prayer a few weeks ago and how our prayers will always be answered if we ask for God’s will to be done in our lives. Just like reading God’s word daily, we need to also be praying and communicating with God on a daily basis. Start your day with prayer, Thank the Lord for giving you another day, give him the first fruits of your day. Seek him before you seek social media, before you turn on the TV, before go to the gym, before you play video games. God deserves the number one spot in your life.Mark 1:35
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. - Raise Children in the Faith
All the material things in this life will fade away, but the souls of your children are eternal. When you teach your children the Bible, pray with them, bring them to church, you are seeking God’s Kingdom first. Don’t your leave your kid’s development to the world, schools, and screens. Pour God’s Word into them daily, model a godly life, and prepare them to serve Christ as adults.Ephesians 6:4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. - Share the Gospel
The last point but also the number one way to seek first the Kingdom of God is by preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.Luke 14:23
And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Every single person that you pass by each and every day has an eternal soul. That soul is either going to move on to have everlasting life and happiness in Heaven. Or eternal death, destruction, and suffering in hell. It is our job to warn everyone and preach the good news of Jesus Christ that He died, was buried, and rose again to pay for all of our sins.
These are just five ways we can seek first the Kingdom of God. And remember when we seek Him first, He provides for all our needs.
Matthew 6:33-34
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
If you have bills that you can’t pay, if you are lacking food and clothing, if you are worried about what is going to happen tomorrow, or a week from now, or months, or years. Jesus is telling you do not take thought for tomorrow. There are enough things to worry about today. Focus on seeking the Kingdom of God right now, and everything else that you have concerns about will be taken care of. Your heavenly Father will provide when you put Him first in your life.
Prioritize church, read the Bible, pray daily, raise your children in the Faith, Share the gospel. Focus on the things that last forever, and God will take care of everything else.
2 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Closing Thoughts
This world is fading. The possessions that you have will rot. Your money is going to run out. Your body will grow old. The things that you are tempted to chase in this life—status, success, material gain—will all be gone one day. Don’t waste your life building your own kingdom that’s guaranteed to crumble.
Even though these things will pass away, we have hope. You don’t have to live in fear, anxiety, or a constant struggle to survive. Jesus is calling you to thrive—not in riches, but in His righteousness; not in comfort, but in communion with Him.
If you’ll put Him first—if you’ll seek His kingdom and His righteousness—He promises to provide for every need. You were not made to serve your flesh. You were made to serve the Living God. Choose today to stop chasing what burns up… and start building what lasts forever.
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
As you go from here today, please think about all the things in your life that are temporary, and think about how much time and energy you are putting into those things. We don’t have much time left on this earth. Don’t waste the little time that you have focusing on yourself. Lay up those treasures in heaven right now. You will be so thankful that you did. Let’s pray.
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