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| Vol. 14 No. 11 November 2012 | Page 12 |
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| Vol. 14 No. 11 November 2012 | Page 12 |
Thomas Baxley
Matthew 6:19-24 is a commentary on the first 18 verses of the chapter. When Jesus tells us not to lay for ourselves treasure on the earth, He is speaking about those who practice their righteousness to be seen of men. Those who are all about fame and notoriety care little for the afterlife, but have concerns with how they are perceived in the here and now. When their piety becomes a show, they are storing up for themselves treasure on earth. The problem is that there is little security down here. Thieves break in and steal, and moth and rust destroy things stored down here. If we wish to have everlasting treasure, we must store riches in the most secure location – heaven. In heaven our treasure cannot be stolen, nor can it be destroyed by moth or rust; and remember that where your treasure is, that is where your heart is, too.
The way to ensure you are storing up your treasure in heaven is to make sure that your eyes are clear and healthy. We are not speaking of literal eye health, of course, but spiritual eye health. If the eye is healthy, the body will be full of light; if the eye is bad, the whole body will be full of darkness. You cannot serve two masters. A clear eye recognizes this and serves God, and no one or nothing else. A bad eye tries to have God and something else. Those who practice their righteousness to be seen of men store their treasure on earth, have bad eyes and serve mammon; their hearts are not with God. Where is your heart?
“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:4 NKJV).
Mark N. Posey
Some seem so anxious to avoid hell that they forget to celebrate their journey to heaven (cf. 2 John 1:4). Therefore, what is the real joy of good living? You know that your sins are forgiven (Romans 8:1). This happens when you commit yourself to Christ in faith, repent, confess Jesus as the Son of God and baptism. David was “a man after God’s own heart,” but he broke 40% of the 10 Commandments on one particular occasion. Yet, the God who forgave David’s sins will forgive your sins, too (Psalm 32:1; cf. 1 John 1:9). God forgives the sins of those that are penitent, baptized believers (Acts 2:38).
You know that you have someone to help you along life’s way (Hebrews 2:18). The word “aid” (“succor” KJV) means “to help” or “come to the rescue.” Jesus promised to be with His disciples “even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus knows our struggles (Hebrews 4:15).
You know you are engaged in the greatest work in the world (2 Timothy 4:5). After all, investment determines involvement. We will be greatly involved in that which we invest our time, treasures and talents, and it will pay dividends for time and eternity (Psalm 23:6; cf. 1 Timothy 4:8, 15-16).
You know that you are living by the best set of rules in the world (James 1:21-25). If we live by the rules of the New Testament, we shall never go wrong. The Word of God is like a mirror in which we see ourselves as we really are (James 1:23). Following Jesus results in change (2 Corinthians 3:18).
You know that death holds no fear for you (2 Timothy 4:6-7). Paul said he was “ready.” He also spoke of his departure. The Christian has such promises as Psalm 116:16 and Revelation 14:13. Isn’t it great to know that when the end of the way comes, we have a refuge for the soul?
You know that you have a home in heaven waiting for you (2 Timothy 4:8; cf. John 14:1-3; 1 Peter 1:3-5). Peter speaks of a reservation that is made in heaven for the redeemed. The reservation is for those that have been “born again” (John 3:3, 5).
You know that you have brought joy to others as well (1 Peter 1:6). The Philippians brought joy to the apostle Paul (1:3-6). Philip helped the Ethiopian eunuch to “go on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). May God help us to live in such a way that someone will say, “I have seen Jesus in your life.”
You know that you have spent your time in service to the Lord (Philippians 1:1; James 1:1). The greatest endeavor is serving others. Jesus was a Servant, according to Matthew 20:28, John 13:15 and Philippians 2:7. The word “servant” is from doulos, which means, “voluntary slave.” Jesus said, “He that will be greatest among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). The words that we want to hear on Judgment Day are, “Well done thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Serving others means serving Jesus (Matthew 25:40).
May we live godly lives from here to eternity! May we each truly know the joy of good living.