Our Treasures vs Our Anxieties

 

Our Treasures vs Our Anxieties

(Matthew 6:19) Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

(Matthew 6:20) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

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

(Matthew 6:31) Do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat? Or shall we drink? Or shall we wear?”

(Matthew 6:33) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

(Matthew 6:34) Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will worry about itself.

 

Aspect	Our Treasures	Our Anxieties
Meaning	1. Treasures refer to what we value, invest in, and pursue, including money, possessions, and the focus of our heart. 2. Storing treasures in heaven refers to giving to the poor, supplying needy saints, and supporting the Lord’s servants.	1. Anxiety refers to the soul-life’s concerns over food, drink, clothing, and future needs (Matt. 6:25). 2. It means relying on self-preservation rather than God’s care.
Cause	1. The heart follows treasure (Matt. 6:21). 2. Earthly treasures are corruptible, unstable, and produce more attachment and fear. 3. A divided vision and serving mammon lead to darkness.	1. Anxiety grows from little faith (Matt. 6:30). 2. Making the needs of the soul-life absolute. 3. Seeing the environment rather than God’s provision.
Distinction	• Treasures = what we pursue and store up. • Treasures direct our heart’s orientation. • They determine whether we can see God with a single eye.	• Anxiety = what we fear or feel insecure about. • Anxiety scatters the mind. • It makes us unable to trust or enjoy God.
Explanation	Storing treasure in heaven = single eye → full of light → serving God. Storing treasure on earth = blurry eye → darkness → serving mammon. Treasures reveal where the heart truly resides.	“Do not be anxious” occurs seven times in Matt. 6:25–34. Anxiety is a life issue, not merely a material issue. Anxiety darkens our inner being and disrupts trust in God.
Mutual Relationship	Where your treasure is → your heart goes → your anxieties follow. If treasure is on earth → anxiety increases. If treasure is in heaven → peace increases.	Anxiety exposes where our treasure actually is. The more we worry, the more our treasure is earthly—not heavenly. Anxiety is the result of the heart following earthly treasure.
Examples	• Rich young ruler—went away sorrowful because of many possessions (Matt. 19:21–22). • Early believers shared all things and stored treasure in heaven (Acts 2:45; 4:34–35). • Macedonians gave abundantly out of deep poverty (2 Cor. 8:1–2).	• Martha was anxious and troubled about many things (Luke 10:40–41). • Disciples worried about food, drink, and tomorrow (Matt. 6). • The Gentiles anxiously seek all these things (Matt. 6:32).
Application	• Practice giving, supplying saints, and supporting workers. • Transfer treasure from earth to heaven. • Keep a “single eye”—not God + mammon, but God alone.	• Cast all anxieties on God (1 Pet. 5:7). • Seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness (Matt. 6:33). • Rest in God’s care; do not worry about tomorrow (Matt. 6:34).
Burden	• The Lord desires our heart to be in heaven, not tied to earthly wealth. • Heavenly treasure is incorruptible and eternal. • A call for “financial transfer” and “value transfer” into the kingdom.	• Anxiety is a major enemy to kingdom living. • The Lord touches our worries more than our outward conduct. • He wants us free from the soul-life’s occupation and living in trust.
Prophetic Speaking Points	• Our treasure must go up first, then our heart will follow. • A single eye brings light; earthly treasure brings darkness. • Serving God and serving mammon are absolutely incompatible.	• Anxiety adds nothing to life (Matt. 6:27). • The Father knows all our needs. • Seek His kingdom—then all things will be added.
Expanded Scriptures	Matt. 6:19–21; Matt. 6:22–23; Matt. 6:24; Matt. 19:21; Acts 2:45; Acts 4:34–35; Acts 11:29; Phil. 4:16–17	Matt. 6:25–34; Matt. 6:25; Matt. 6:27; Matt. 6:30; Matt. 6:33; Matt. 6:34

 

Conclusion: 

l   Treasure determines the direction of the heart, the heart determines the singularity of vision, and vision determines the ability to serve God.

Treasure → directs the heart → directs the vision → determines whom we serve.

Earthly treasure = darkness, bondage, distraction.

Heavenly treasure = light, freedom, serving God.

 

l   Anxiety is the darkness of life, the result of misjudging the Lord and His provision.

Anxiety → reveals misplaced trust → is solved by turning to the Father.

Not worrying allows us to live the kingdom life and trust God fully.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training, General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7, Week 8: Seeking First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.