Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:8-10
“This is, precisely, how we deposit treasures in heaven on a daily, hourly basis. Not only can we have complete protection and security of our treasures in this way, but our life as a whole, our living, also now comes into proper alignment with reality. Our souls are now suited to deal with things because we see clearly. Our treasure focuses our heart. “Your heart will be where what you treasure is,” Jesus tells us (Matthew 6:21). Remember that our heart is our will, or our spirit: the center of our being from which our life flows. It is what gives orientation to everything we do. A heart rightly directed therefore brings health and wholeness to the entire personality.”
Dallas Willard in The Divine Conspiracy: Discovering Our Hidden Life in God (New York: HarperCollins Ebooks) 206.
We had a great Christmas yesterday. We played games, ate food, and spent the day together. We only exchanged a few gifts but the thoughtfulness linked to them showed deep love.
Professor Willard urges us to remember that our heart is our will, it gives orientation to everything we do, and it follows where we put the treasures we possess.
What I appreciated afresh in this reading was the notion that our daily doing good deposits real-time treasures in heaven. This reminder helps our hearts stay focused and brings us good health.
Feeling distracted or discouraged? Storing up treasures in heaven is not so much about making big gifts. It’s about persevering to do small good deeds daily.
This means all of us can do it. Generosity is not the size of our gifts but the posture of our hearts. And its nurtured not by holding on to treasure but by putting it to work.