Scripture: Matthew 6:21 CEB “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In our family we have a thing called a keepsake box. Each member of the family has a box filled with special items that are important to them. These are the things that we do not want to get rid of under any circumstances. In some cases, they are certificates of achievement, special stuffed animals, and many other items that denote a certain time or memory that is meaningful and significant. The boxes are kept in our closets and are accessible whenever we want to add to them or take a trip down memory lane. Some of the items in the boxes might surprise you and others would seem obvious. The one common thread you would find in each of the four boxes is everything in them has meaning to the person to whom the box belongs. You could say that they are treasures to that person. If you were to ask a member of our family where their treasure is, I would imagine we might say our keepsake box. As I am an ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church, our family has had to move a few times. The notion of a keepsake box is both practical and effective. Obviously, when you move around a little bit you cannot collect things like those who don’t. We have learned to keep the things that are important to us and let go of the rest. We keep only that which we truly treasure. The definition of a treasure is something of great worth or a collection of precious things. All the things are worth a lot to us and are precious to us. What do you collect or keep because it is special to you? We all have some of those things that we treasure. Maybe it is something that has been handed down through generations in your family. Perhaps it is something your mom or dad gave you when you were a child. Whatever it is, we all have treasure. Jesus was telling his followers that the treasures we tend to store up on earth are temporary. They eventually decay or wear out. Jesus tells them that there is only one treasure that is worth holding onto. The good news that Jesus brought to them was a treasure. Their relationship with Jesus as Messiah was a treasure. Their salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is the only treasure worth holding onto. Everything else will fade away and won’t last. The Word of God and the good news of Jesus Christ is eternal. This is the treasure that Jesus urges his followers to store up. He tells them that, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Your treasure and your passion are interwoven. We treasure what we are passionate about and we are passionate about what we treasure. If we treasure our relationship with Jesus we will be passionate about cultivating it and sharing it. It will be our hearts desire. What do you treasure? Where is your heart? Does Jesus have your whole heart today? Will you be passionate about following Jesus today? Take time to read God’s Word today and store up the treasure it offers you. Spend time in prayer today seeking God’s presence and listening for God’s guidance. Seek the power of the Holy Spirit to lead you and prompt you today. Treasure your relationship with Jesus and follow him passionately today. Give every part of your day to Jesus and allow your treasure to be revealed in every part of your day. Remember, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Prayer: God of grace and mercy, everything you give me is a treasure. I am especially grateful for your Son, Jesus. May I treasure Jesus and follow him with all my life. Empower me through your Holy Spirit to live fully in the name of Jesus today. I will give you the honor, glory and praise for the treasure you have given me. In the name of Jesus. Amen.