Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV) “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

The Lord created the moth, and He mentions it in this passage to give us wisdom at work.

Many times, we work day after day to earn the money to purchase material possessions that have limited lifetimes and no eternal value. For example, we buy closets full of fancy garments, only to see them wear away or eaten by moths. In this fallen, sinful world, there will always be moths (of various kinds, both actual and symbolic) that eat away and ruin our possessions, time, energy and material wealth. But in this passage, we are told that we have a wonderful option with a divine promise. You could say that this promise is the equivalent of God's Divine “Mothballs.” You can choose to spend your money on things that will never be eaten away and ruined: God's Work. Spending money on evangelism and discipleship is never, ever wasted.

How generous are you in giving your time, energy, talent and treasure to Christian ministry? Do you spend more resources on your home, car, wardrobe, gadgets, office, vacation, entertainment or career than you do on ministry? If you truly desire treasures that will withstand the moth and last for eternity, then it may be time to take an inventory of your priorities and make some Holy Spirit-led changes.

Let’s think about and discuss these questions:

1. How do you allocate your time, energy, talent, and treasure in your life? Based on these allocation ratios, are you paying attention to things that have eternal value?

2. How do you think Christians should find balance in their daily life, taking care of their own and their family's needs while also laying up treasures in heaven?

3. How do you plan to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, adjust the focus of your life, and invest more into the ministry of God?