Numbers 1-2

Mark 3:1-19

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

What are we devoted to? I (Brett McBride) have a friend who works as a bond trader in downtown Toronto, Canada. He spends a lot of time on his career, trading massive volumes, and making a lot of money for his clients. God also poured riches and abundance into his life as well, but when I got to know him, I realized that his fortune was not what was driving his life.

At the core of my friend’s life is Jesus. He loves Jesus and enjoys studying the Bible every day. In fact, he memorizes a verse or a Greek or Hebrew word and meditates on it throughout his day at work. When he gets home from work in the evening, often over a family meal, he shares the verse that he had been meditating on all day or the Hebrew or Greek word and the significance of its meaning. My friend’s devotion to Jesus shapes how he shows up at work. Because he loves Jesus, it permeates everything he does.

There was one time, however, my friend shared about a season at work where his business unit had hit their targets but the rest of the corporate structure had not and it was time for their annual bonuses; this was during the market crash of 2008, so him and his business unit did not receive their annual bonus, which represented a significant number for him. My friend confessed, no matter how much he studied the Word or prayed, he could not shake the sense of loss that he had inside himself. Now, he was full of wealth and abundance; he did not necessarily need the money, but he was wrestling with the loss.

At the same time, my friend immersed himself in serving people who were experiencing homelessness. He spent time in the community caring for others. As he was on the streets ministering to those who were experiencing homelessness, his brothers and sisters on the streets revealed to him what was twisted inside his heart and how his devotion to Jesus could get subtly taken to a different place.

All the riches we can have in this world does not compare to the riches that we have in Jesus Christ. Psalm 49:16-17 tells us, “Do not be overawed when others grow rich…for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendour will not descend with them.” Hence, Jesus encourages us, “…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” (Matthew 6:20-21).

Lord Jesus, nothing in this world compares to what I have in You. I ask for You to set my heart and devotion on You alone. I love You, Lord.