The Sermon on the Mount is recorded in chapters 5 through 7 of the Gospel of Matthew. It contains a large compilation of teachings from Jesus on how to live the Christian life, including one of the most well-known verses on money: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This truth stands the test of time and transcends every walk of life, whether in a Christian context or not.

Jesus is addressing one of the cardinal sins that his audience struggled with that we still face today – our basic instinct of selfishness rather than selflessness. We want what we want, and we want to use our resources to get it. Yet, the moment we swipe our card, we begin to develop an unhealthy attachment to that “thing.” Depending on the magnitude and frequency of our purchases, we can develop an emotional attachment to or even pair our identity with stuff. We become owned by what we own.

As you consider that thought, your mind likely gravitates to some of the things that fight for your attention today. But our propensity to be stingy or covet material possessions did not begin in adulthood. If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard your child scream “MINE!” at the top of their lungs because somebody wanted what they had. Nobody had to teach them that; it came naturally. If you’re not a parent, then maybe you can recall obsessing over a certain toy or collection amongst your most prized possessions in your own childhood.

We all have stories like these, and we’re all guilty of displaying selfish tendencies at times – even those you wouldn’t consider selfish. At the root of this behavior for many Christians is a lack of trust in God – that he will provide for our every need. We believe that we must provide for our needs. Yet, I would like to challenge you this week to think about a time when God showed up in your life as Provider. Then, I want you to think about a time that he provided for someone you know. As you do this, my prayer is that God would strengthen a "Kingdom-mindset" within you, and that you would no longer invest your time, energy, and resources into things that are not also worthy of your affection but rather, you would invest in things that will make an eternal impact for Jesus.