Spending Habits

It's a simple fact of life that if you ever want to see what's important to a person, follow the money trail. What we spend on is what we value. For example, I buy a book or two probably every two-to-three weeks. Others collect cars, music, or any one of a million other things. Some people will spend more for a bigger house, others for food at better restaurants. Good parents will skip meals or forgo buying things for themselves to provide for their children in the hard times, and it's because they love and value their kids. You show me a bank statement or a credit card bill, and I'll show you what you think is important in life.

Jesus understood that. He knew our use of money reflects the states of our hearts. For that reason, he preached, "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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matt. 6:19-21). What we value, what we buy, showcases the desires of our hearts. That means if we give ourselves to things, we are ruled by them. But if we give ourselves to others, if we give sacrificially of our time and treasures, if we share the gospel of Jesus Christ, our hearts are there, with other people and with God. And that's a little bit of the kingdom of heaven breaking in on earth.

Examine your spending habits. Does your use of your time and money reflect a heart concerned about things on earth or about treasures in heaven? What has value to you? Remember: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."