Hey, readers! Today let’s talk about the main theme of my newest release, Where Your Treasure Is.

“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.” -Matthew 6:19-21

Did you know there are 81 books on GoodReads with the words “where your treasure is” as at least part of the title? Obviously this is a significant topic to people, as it should be, since they’re poetic words of Christ. But what exactly does it mean to say “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”?

As my main character, 18-year-old Ruby Salazar, learns throughout the novel, it means that our life’s focus and goals shape who we are. It means taking an honest look at our priorities and restructuring our lives so that we live with real meaning.

The greatest treasures this world has to offer are not eternal. For instance: gold. In this life, gold tends to be very valuable (at least for now). But in the new heaven and new earth described in Revelation, the streets will be made of gold (Rev 21:21). On one hand, that sounds very opulent and grandiose. The streets will be so shiny! However, on the other hand, it also means that one of today’s most treasured metals will basically be gravel or pavement in the New Jerusalem. This world’s treasures are not really treasures; they are a distraction from the real treasure, which is God’s Kingdom.

There are many more scriptures that speak to this concept too, such as:

• “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, not to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” -1 Tim 6:17-19
• “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” -1 Tim 6:9

What do we do with this perspective on worldly treasures?

Maybe it means saying “No” to the program you really wanted to get into because it won’t allow you to keep your priorities in the right order with God first and family second.

Maybe it means turning down the job offer that will require you to compromise integrity.

Say “Yes” to daily Bible study and prayer and weekly church services. When we’re faithful to God, He’ll open better doors anyway. If not in this life, then in the life that really matters.

It means remembering that this world’s best pales in comparison to what God is preparing for His followers. The apostle Paul tells us that “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor 2:9).

With that knowledge, we can bravely say “No” to the world’s offers that distract us from God and His promises. It doesn’t mean we need to commit to lives of poverty and refuse to enjoy blessings God may give us, but it should make us assess our lives and ask ourselves, “What do I make sacrifices for? Are there habits that hinder my spiritual growth? Am I so focused on money, followers, or getting due credit that I lose sight of what really matters? Do I seek first the Kingdom of God, or do other distractions keep me preoccupied?”

So, what treasures are worth pursuing?

They’re the things that are hard to measure, things that probably wouldn’t impress the world:

• The character traits we’re building now (2 Cor 4:17-18, 1 Tim 6:11)
• Real, meaningful relationships (Rom 12:10, 1 Thes 5:11)
• A solid core founded on the Bible (Matt 7:24-27)
• Unwavering trust in God rather than wealth (1 Tim 6:17-19)
• A life that produces spiritual fruit (Matt 13:23, Gal 5:22)

As Jesus concisely said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt 6:33).

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If you love this topic as much as I do, check out Where Your Treasure Is for an inspiring story of a modern-day treasure diver who learns what really matters.