Matthew 6:21 NIV- For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Our hearts will always give way to the thing or things we treasure most. That’s because the things we treasure the most, they mean something to us. I wanted to look at the reason we value “anything” at all and I want you to go on a journey with me and discover for yourself what you treasure and value most. You know, when something has our heart, that means it has a whole lot and whatever it is, it holds a priority like no other. God wants to hold that very place in our whole hearts.

Luke 10:27 NIV- He answered, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself.

TREASURES
When I think about a treasure, I realize the ones that man most values are earthly ones. What comes to mind is perhaps your great grandfather’s watch, your wedding ring, your grandmother’s earrings, and a painting or a picture that runs in your family and has been passed down. It may also mean for some that their money, homes, cars, or land are their treasures most treasured. The reality is that these material things have an expiration and are temporary not eternal.

Matthew 6:19 NIV- 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.

To discover and identify what you treasure the most, let’s look at the 4 ways we view or treat that which is most valuable to us-

1. YOU SET IT APART
First of all, when it comes to something that’s valuable and you treasure it, you set it apart from everything else. Think about that….. What do you do with your grandmother’s earrings or great grandfather’s watch when you’re not wearing them? You set them in a jewelry box, or secret draw, or in a safe, separated and apart from everything else. Why? Because it’s not the same as the other pieces of jewelry. It is not ordinary because instead, it’s what we call………SPECIAL… It is different, so you put it in a special compartment because you see it as none other than valuable.
In the same way, God wants us to separate ourselves from the world that we dwell in and understand that he has also called us out from amongst the world as his children who are valuable to him. 

2 Corinthians 6:17 NIV- Therefore, Come out from them and be separate,
says the Lord.

Matthew 6:6 NIV- But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.

2. YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR TREASURE
When you value something or someone, your words around that thing…..are choice words. Meaning the way you describe that thing is certain, substance-filled, and particular because it’s not the same way you talk about everything else. Those choice words carry weight and that weight is the emotion you feel and carry for that thing in your heart. When a person dedicates time to describe what they value to you, and on top of that they transition that expression into how that person or thing then makes them feel, it means more. What treasure do you talk about in this way?

3. YOU PAY ATTENTION TO IT
When there is something that is of value to you, it has a way of standing out. It’s not down on the list but it’s a the top and it stands out. You remember the things that are important to it and you give it your undivided attention also. Your time with it matters and is intentional. If you are busy or distracted, you plan or make time. You may even interrupt something else to devote to that thing you listen to, seek or watch over. Do you pay attention to that which you value?

4. YOU ARE CAREFUL WITH IT
When something is a treasure or is valuable to you, you are careful with it. You are also careful not to break it! In fact, if it’s a material thing, not only are you careful not to break it, but you’re careful not to crack, dent, smash, scratch or lose it also. It’s the same with someone we love. We should be careful not to break someone’s heart. We should be careful not to damage someone’s trust in us or to damage the relationship period. When you value someone you are faithful and sensitive to them. Their presence, you don’t take for granted. Likewise, we are often told to be sensitive to the Spirit of God or the Holy Spirit. So this means our hearts are open, aware, respectful, and listening to honor the gentle voice that provides guidance, comfort, and whatever message he considerately offers. Are you careful with that which you value?

WE ARE HIS VALUE

The Lord cares and sees and has so much value for us, that when he died on the cross for our sins, it was a cost and value that is priceless. This means he sees us as valuable.

1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV- For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Matthew 6:26 NIV- Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Imagine that someone who would break your heart over again, you still loved. That’s tough. Well, God values us enough to continue saying, “Come to me.” “No, not that way.” “Come this way.” “I am God.” “I created you, I love you and I have sacrificed my son for your sins if you would receive him.” “I have more for you and I’m preparing a place for the rest of your eternal existence.”

John 14:3 NIV- And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

CONCLUSION
The most important thing to take away from this is to consider the things that you value and make sure to find the truth in discovering that our Savior, Jesus Christ is the greatest treasure of all! Once our hearts are all for him, we will see just how much of a treasure he really and truly is. And for all the other valuable things in our lives, understand that its family, people, time, good, and the beauty in life that are the most valuable things. Now after pondering on the things you value, what has your heart? And what is it that you treasure most???