“Where Do You Find Your Treasure?”
For the Christian, there can be no greater advice than what Solomon offered his readers in Proverbs 4:23. He gave the following instruction; “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” As we contemplate his wisdom, we must keep in mind the words of 2 Timothy 3:16 - 17; All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Solomons’ words of wisdom were not his own, they were given to him by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and they were prophetic. As such we do well to “heed them as light that shines in a dark place”.
In speaking on the condition of human heart, Jeremiah offered the following on the subject in Jeremiah 17: 9 - 10;
d is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” 20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
Brothers and sisters in Christ, it is of utmost importance that we reject what the wisdom of the world has to offer and adhere to what the scriptures teach us. David recognize this when he penned the words in Psalm 51; 10 - 11; 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
These words are contrary to everything that our culture teaches us today. In fact, the main thrust of most modern academia revolves around the notion man is innately good. This point of view has been held by the lion’s share of the worlds intellectual elite since the time of Christ. As Christians, we have a choice. We can believe the Bible, as God’s inspired word. Or, we can believe a lie.
Jesus Christ had these words to say to his disciples, regarding the human heart in Mark 7: 18 - 23; 18 “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, an
As Christians, the most important lesson in life we can learn is to cherish Gods’ Word. Why? It is through learning his precepts that we gain understanding and are able to avoid every false way. The Word of God must become our treasure. This is the reason Jesus said the following in Matthew 6: 21; For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Charles Spurgeon had these marvelous words to say regarding Gods’ written word. “This Bible is a wonderful talking book; there is a great mass of blessed talk in this precious volume. It has told me a great many of my faults; it would tell you yours if you would let it. It has told me much to comfort me; and it has much to tell you if you will but incline your ear to it. It is a book that is wonderfully communicative; it knows all about you, all the ins and outs of where you are, and where you ought to be, it can tell you everything.”
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, learn to cherish the Word of God.
Elder Joe Beasley