Read Matthew 6:19-34. In the Christian life, we face endless decisions every day. We need heavenly wisdom to choose wisely. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers us four choices that have the power to shape our life here on earth. How we handle them today will echo throughout eternity.

First, He gives us a choice between two investment banks. We can either store up treasure on earth, “where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal,” or store our treasures in heaven (see Matthew 6:19-20). Where will you ultimately invest—in the local bank, where they give a fraction of a percent interest, or in the bank of heaven, where you’ll earn a hundred-fold harvest?

Second, Jesus gives us a choice between stumbling around in the darkness or walking in the light. He says, “If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light” (v. 22). But what Jesus is saying has nothing to do with our physical eyes. Rather, He’s warning us that hoarding our earthly blessings will plunge us into darkness. However, investing in the Kingdom of God will give us a vision for life. If you want to be able to see where you are going, take hold of the eternal vision Jesus offers.

Third, Jesus tells us we have a choice about whom we will serve. “No one can serve two masters” (v. 24). Either we will serve our money and possessions, or we will serve the Lord our God. To split our loyalty between God and anyone or anything else is idolatry. God wants our undivided and unfettered devotion.

To me, the choice is very clear. I choose the one who died for me, the one who loved me when I reviled Him, the one who knew me by name before the foundation of the world, the one who loved me when there was nothing lovely in me, the one who redeemed me and gave me everlasting hope.

Fourth, Jesus says we have a choice about whether or not we will worry. In reality, if we have chosen well in the first three decisions, we will not have to worry. For consider this: When you choose to invest in heavenly things, when you choose God’s vision for your life, when you choose a loving God as your master, what is there to worry about?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You that You have revealed Your way of wisdom in Your Word. May I choose to follow You and find shelter and peace in the shadow of Your wings. Help me to seek to live righteously in service to You for my good and for the blessing of those You put in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Appropriating the Happiness That Is in You: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



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