Week 22 Seeing in the Dark 

Matthew 6:19-34
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. 

What things do I seek after and treasure? My Reputation, opinions, rights, traditions, history, family, stuff? I know I treasure them because I am willing to fight for them, trust them, justify them, ignore Truth for them. I should be thankful for those things yet still not treasure them. How do I store up treasure in heaven instead? 

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 

If my perception of the Kingdom is sound, then I will recognize Kingdom events in my life, even if it seems like darkness to everyone else. When I can only see the world with my natural eyes, I fumble around in offense. This kingdom does not have enough light to help me focus on Truth. If I believe the darkness I live in is the light, imagine how poorly I will be able to see when it becomes even darker.

No one can submit to two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot submit to both God and treasure.

The word ‘serve’ in this verse means submission. When my perception is full of light I can see that real treasure is to know and, therefore, trust God, so, should any of the temporary valuables be taken away, I am not devastated. But if I choose to see without the light then I will cling tightly to the wrong treasure. I CANNOT be devoted to my earthly treasure and God in the same moment. There will be a tug-of-war between loyalties. 

Therefore… seek the Kingdom.