Matthew 6:19-24

Matthew 6:19-24
English Standard Version (ESV)

  As I've been watching basketball over the past four days, there's been an ad I've consistently seen by Experian that is talking about how our identities are bought and sold on the 'Dark Web'.  They're using fear to try and motivate us -- and we usually react pretty strongly to this idea.  When we're afraid of losing money or status, it'll strongly move us to buy identity theft protection or make sure that everything is locked down securely.  Mostly, though, we worry.  We do things to secure ourselves, and yet we still worry, consistently.  We worry out of fear and anxiety and uncertainty.  If we're not careful, the worry can consume our lives.
  Jesus is teaching us that if our ultimate treasure is of this world, anxiety about losing it will demand our attention.  If, however, we put our treasure in heaven, we have no need to be concerned -- nothing can steal that from us, and we cannot lose it.  It is safe in heaven, and we are freed from anxiety and fear to live with joy and peace that passes all understanding. 
  We have to make the conscious choice, and we have to make it daily.  What's going to be the most compelling thing in your life today?  What will drive you, and what will inform your choices?  Picking money means not picking God -- we can't have both. 
  What changes need to be made in order to live into your choice?