Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 September 2026 Matthew 6:19.
Matthew 6:19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves break through and steal.
Oh friends, we’re on a late bus today because the ole fella wasn’t feeling up to scratch earlier on and thus lay in bed longer than usual. However, thankfully, after the rain yesterday, this Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week, has blossomed into a bright and sunshiny warm day! Glory to God! And unfortunately, some of us are looking forward so much to tomorrow, Friday, that we are in danger of not concentrating properly on today’s challenges. As the ole people would say, don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today.
And per Jesus: ‘Take no thought for the morrow (do not worry about tomorrow): for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof.’ (Matt. 6:34) In other words, tomorrow will bring enough problems and challenges of it’s own for you to worry about, so concentrate on not having to carry forward today’s. And with those awesome words of wisdom, (smile) let’s turn to some scriptures that talk about a subject which many of us believers still need to learn. That’s the unwise attitude of running down money and the material things and pleasures of the world.
In the first place, Jesus warned us in the Sermon on the Mount: ‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves break through and steal.’ (Matt. 6:19) And we see the wisdom in that every day, where thieves break through the most sophisticated alarm and computer systems and steal oodles of supposedly worthwhile stuff. Meanwhile, what isn’t stolen becomes old and rusty, or eaten by moths. So what’s the wise thing to do?
Listen to Jesus: ‘But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ (Matt. 6:20-21)And all of that is the gospel truth my people! There are no thieves, rust, nor moths in heaven to ruin your treasures there. Then it’s obvious that wherever your treasures are stored that’s where your heart and mind will be focused. So if they are stored here on earth, then you will be focused on earthly things, and bad attitudes like greed, jealousy, resentment and anger will eventually seep into your soul as you strive to build up your earthly treasures.
But if they are stored in heaven, then you will be focused on heaven. And believe me, that’s the best place to have one’s focus, for all that we have here on earth will stay here when we depart his life, but what we store in heaven will be there waiting for us when we get there and will last us forever! Wow! That brings us to this awesome teaching from Bruh Paul to Timothy on the subject. He begins with this wise warning. ‘But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment (clothing) let us be therewith content.’ (1 Tim. 6:6-8)
More gospel truth my people! And its’ exactly what I just said, we can’t carry anything from this world with us. And according to the scholars ‘This is a divine means of showing man that since material wealth is relatively insignificant, he should pursue the important things mentioned in verse 11.’ Yes friends, we come with nothing and carry out nothing, so why kill ourselves to accumulate earthly treasures eh? Not wise at all.
Oh, material stuff is necessary in our lives, and we must accumulate some to live on during rainy periods or old age, but the greedy rush to accumulate more than enough is certainly unwise, because in the process we kill both body and soul, as well as important relationships like families, friends, co-workers and the church. Now, there’s no harm in wanting to better our circumstances, but that must not be our sole reason for living. That’s why Bruh Paul advises us to be contented with what we have.
As he further says: ‘But they that will (desire to) be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful (harmful) lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (ruin and destruction). For the LOVE of money is the root of all (kinds) of evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.’ (1 Tim. 6:9-10) Yes my fellow believers, that’s what the ambition to be rich can do to you. The LOVE of money is a source from which all kinds of evil can flow. And it’s not the only source of evil, but it certainly can happen when your goal in life is to strive after as much money as you can acquire.
And what’s the antidote to that evil LOVE for money? It’s as the scholars say found in verse 11. ‘But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, LOVE, patience, meekness.’ (1 Tim. 6:11) Now that’s the kind of life we believers ought to be seeking, not running down the lustful pleasures and riches of this world. And Bruh Paul adds another interesting verse that is supposed to stir up our blood and mission for Christ. ‘Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed (confessed) a good profession (confession) before many witnesses.’ (1 Tim. 6:12)
And to help us do that, we have our Thursday Blessings, undeserved blessings generously bestowed by the Lord for such purpose. So let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh, because a blessing is not a blessing until it’s been spoken. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline!
I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
And having made that declaration, it now behooves us to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…money and material possessions are important…but seeking God should always be our first priority…
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