What Has Your Heart?

The sermon centers on Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:19–24, emphasizing that what we treasure ultimately shapes our hearts, perspectives, and loyalties. Pastor Nick Steinloski illustrates this with the story of Eustace from *The Voyage of the Dawn Treader*, who becomes a dragon after becoming consumed by treasure, showing how our desires can transform us in ways we never intended. Jesus teaches that earthly treasures are temporary and unreliable, while heavenly treasures—such as faithfulness, character, relationships, and obedience to God—have lasting value.

The message highlights three key movements in the passage: first, our treasures direct our hearts; second, our vision shapes how we see and live in the world; and third, our master determines the course of our lives. Using the example of Joshua and Caleb versus the other spies in the Promised Land, the pastor explains that people can face the same circumstances but interpret them differently depending on whether they view life through fear or through trust in God. Jesus’ warning about the “eye being the lamp of the body” is presented as a call to maintain a God-centered perspective rather than one distorted by greed, envy, or self-interest.

The sermon culminates with Jesus’ statement that no one can serve two masters, arguing that everyone ultimately serves something, whether God, money, or another competing loyalty. Money is described as a particularly powerful rival because it promises security and significance but continually demands more. The pastor encourages listeners to examine their treasures, evaluate what shapes their vision, and reaffirm their allegiance to God. He concludes that true transformation is not achieved through self-effort alone, but through allowing Jesus to be the central treasure and guiding force of life, bringing clarity, freedom, and proper priorities.