How to spot and avoid decay today?
In what ways can you identify and avoid earthly "moth and rust" today?

Setting the Verse in View

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)


What “Moth and Rust” Look Like Today

• Perishable Possessions – clothes, gadgets, cars, décor, toys that quickly date or deteriorate

• Time-sucking Entertainment – streaming, gaming, social media scrolling that leaves no eternal imprint

• Status Symbols – titles, likes, degrees, followers, luxury brands sought for self-glory

• Financial Hoarding – excessive saving or speculative risk driven by fear or greed (James 5:2-3)

• Moral Compromise – small ethical shortcuts that corrode integrity (Proverbs 11:3)

• Self-Image Obsession – appearance, fitness, or “wellness” turned into personal idols (1 Samuel 16:7)

• Cultural Trends – ideologies that shift with the wind and erode biblical convictions (Colossians 2:8)


Spotting the Warning Signs

• Disproportionate Attention – what dominates thoughts, conversations, budgets, calendars

• Chronic Anxiety – worry tied to losing or maintaining temporal things (Matthew 6:25-32)

• Declining Generosity – reluctance to give because “I might need it” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

• Spiritual Crowding – little appetite for Word, prayer, fellowship because life feels “full” already (Mark 4:19)

• Identity Drift – self-worth rises or falls with possessions, accomplishments, or public approval


Practical Steps to Avoid Modern Moth and Rust

• Re-calibrate Daily – begin and end the day with Scripture and gratitude; it resets the heart’s compass (Psalm 119:11)

• Practice Rhythmic Generosity – decide a percentage to give first, before spending or saving (Proverbs 3:9)

• Limit Accumulation – one in, one out; keep only what serves kingdom purposes (Luke 12:33)

• Fast from Media & Shopping – scheduled breaks expose hidden dependencies and free margin for eternal investments

• Invest in People – mentorship, hospitality, discipleship; souls never depreciate (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)

• Celebrate Eternal Wins – testimonies, baptisms, answered prayers remind the heart what truly lasts

• Anchor Long-Term Goals – aim career, education, and retirement plans toward gospel impact, not mere comfort (Colossians 3:23-24)


Redirecting the Heart Heavenward

• Meditate on forever promises: “The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2:17)

• Keep a running list of kingdom fruit—lives touched, Scripture learned, acts of mercy done. Review it more often than financial statements.

• Surround yourself with voices that elevate eternity: biblically solid preaching, Christ-centered music, fellowship with believers whose eyes are set on the city to come (Hebrews 13:14).


Living Unmoth-Eaten

When earthly goods are held with open hands and eternal treasures are pursued with whole hearts, “moth and rust” lose their power. Instead, we model the wise steward Jesus commends—rich toward God, content, and joyfully invested in what can never be stolen or spoiled.

How does Matthew 6:20 connect with Colossians 3:2 on setting your mind?
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