January 18

Matthew 6:16-24 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth (v.19)...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven (v.20) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (v.21) No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (v.24)

Observation

During a recent promotion, KFC gave away a free piece of chicken for each person who came to the store for an entire day. People fell into either two categories: They either got their greasy hands on a finger-lickin' good piece of fried chicken, or they watched in horror as news stations gave reports of riots breaking out around every KFC in the area and wondering how people could think that waiting in line for a piece of chicken was a worthy investment of time. Unfortunately, I find myself too often on the side of the former group. Everyday, I make decisions based on what I value. I assign value to things and make decisions based on what I consider to be a good return on investment. I may purchase a certain type of car, but it may mean having less means for other purposes. I may spend extra time at work to make a little more money, but it may mean less time with family, friends or serving at church. Jesus calls me to place value in heavenly treasures. And he goes out of his way to describe in detail how little value, if any, some of these worldly "treasures" have. But how I assign value to "treasure" really begins with the focus of my devotion. Who is my Master? Who do I love/hate, devote/despise?

Application

Everyday, I make decisions based on various needs and wants. Not all are life changing decisions, but each one, in a small way, reflects a line of thought and devotion, ultimately adding up to a revelation of who I serve. But too many times, I lose sight of who I serve. God calls me to keep my focus by devoting myself prayerfully and scripturally to Him so that my mind and my decisions align more and more with Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for wisdom in discerning the eternal implications of how I live my life and the decisions that I make. In Jesus Name, Amen.

--Sam Whang