“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21 ESV
So much of our conflict in marriage comes from where we find our treasure. What are the things you value most in life? What are the things that consume most of your thoughts? What are the things you are willing to fight for? Those are your treasures.
This verse tells us there are only two ways we can organize our lives—around the things of this world, or around the eternal things of heaven. Treasures in heaven can be anything related to our love for, worship of, and obedience to God. It’s the lifestyle that shapes the actions, reactions, and responses of a person who acknowledges God’s existence, character, and plan. When we store up treasures in heaven, we know the supernatural peace of God, we know contentment in our circumstances, we know His presence, we know His blessings.
Then there are the treasures on earth. These are the treasures that the world tells us we should have or that we deserve. Whether it’s the perfect job or the perfect car, a loving relationship or financial security, a respectful spouse, obedient children or accomplishments, when the desires of our heart take over our expectations, they have become our treasures. When our lives are organized by these, we chase after we want, what we feel like in the moment, and what we tell ourselves we need.
We will fight for the treasures in our heart. In other words, what we treasure will dictate our responses when our hearts are squeezed.
If we’re going to get ahead of the conflict in our marriages, it’s important to recognize the treasure war that’s raging in our heart, and consequently organizing our life. Sometimes we get it right, and our life is structured by a pursuit of God and His way. But other times, we are driven by selfish cravings, and we choose the treasures of this world and we give in to what seems right in the moment.
When we recognize our misplaced treasures, we first need to confess our sin. Our Lord not only offers forgiveness, but freedom as well. It’s only when our lives are shaped by the pursuit of God and His heavenly treasures that we’ll be satisfied and free.
Press on ~ you are loved 💗
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