“Hoarding is in part genetic, in part an executive function and information-processing problem, and in part a reflection of the nature of attachments people form to their possessions. Hoarding helps preserve identity… For those who hoard, the attachment is more rigid. Throwing items away would make the person feel like an ethical failure.” — Randy Frost, Buried in Treasure
1. Treasure what Truly
Matthew 6:19-20 NIV
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
“Treasures are things we try to keep because of a value we place upon them… We reveal what our treasures are by what we try to protect, secure, keep.” —Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy
Matthew 19:21 NIV
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
1 Timothy 6:18–19 NIV
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Matthew 6:21 NIV
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Our investments don’t just our affections. They them.
Question for Reflection:
What am I truly treasuring, and what is it doing to my heart?
2. Shine with a Good
Matthew 6:22-23 NIV
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.
“‘Haplous’ communicates the sense of “generosity” and “kindness”—singularity or wholeness that is free from envy and greed and malice, so whole-person generosity.” – Jonathan T. Pennington, The Sermon on the Mount and Human
Matthew 6:23b NIV
If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
3. Bow to the Better
Matthew 6:24 NIV
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
Matthew 6:24b NIV
You cannot serve both God and money.
How do you know if Mammon is your master?
Ask yourself:
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- What do I fear losing most?
- What determines my major life decisions?
- Whose approval am I really chasing?
- What do I imagine will finally make me feel secure or successful?
And how do you bow to the Better Boss?
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- Start your budgeting with giving—not after.
- Choose contentment over comparison.
- Practice Sabbath—it starves Mammon.
- Confess financial fear as a spiritual issue, not just a practical one.
- Name Mammon when you see it—and remind your heart of a better Kingdom
“The Road to the Uttermost”
By Michelle Jones
Do You know the way to Uttermost?
Yes, go down through the door marked “Up,”
Then squeeze yourself through a gate called Strait
And drink bliss from a bitter cup.
Walk forward into yesterday,
Past there to the day before.
Then fill your bag by pouring out
And empty it with more.
What do they say of Uttermost,
Those who stay and those who leave it?
I’m told people see by hearing things
As long as they believe it!
Well, those who stay say nothing
Except nothing can compare.
And the ones who return from Uttermost Were never really there.
Are the people rich in Uttermost?
Are there jobs to find and keep?
Are the children bright and well behaved?
Are the houses nice but cheap?
You’ll have more than enough money,
That is, if you give enough away,
But I’m afraid there are no houses.
Would my mansion be okay?
If you want to thrive in Uttermost,
Being a servant is the thing.
But make sure you’re resting hard all day,
Or they’ll demote you to a king.
The children sing and play all day.
Their laughter fills up Heaven.
If you’re smart, you grow up to be just like them.
And retire when you’re seven.
If the rumors about Uttermost
Are true, the streets are gold!
Everybody wants for nothing?
Noone’s born. No one gets old?
Yes, the living live forever there
After dying gets them in.
Not a single birth on record
But everyone’s been born again.
Perhaps I’m not fit for Uttermost
I’m no good. I make mistakes
Underneath this smile I’m broken
In my heart of hearts, I ache.
Every one is healed from something
Every body has its scars
Proof that battles have their victors
Like the night sky has its stars
Say, why aren’t You in Uttermost?
You seem certain it’s pretty great.
I’m there right now. You’re welcome too.
Just let Me in. I’ll wait.
You’re there, but I must let You in?
Yes, it’s exactly as you hear it.
I’m confused. I need more help with this.
That’s good. You’re getting near it.
I refuse to keep walking in circles with You!
I give up! Count me lost in this race!
Welcome home, newly found!
Here’s your pre-ordered crown.
And thus ended my Uttermost chase