How can we offer our "treasures" to Jesus in our daily lives? Setting the scene “Entering the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11) The Magi teach that true worship is tangible: they bowed, opened, and presented. Their response becomes our model for offering whatever we cherish most. What counts as treasure today? • Money and material possessions • Time and attention • Talents, skills, and education • Relationships and influence • Opportunities and plans for the future Everything we manage is entrusted by God (Psalm 24:1; 1 Corinthians 4:2). Why Jesus cares about our treasures • They reveal our hearts—“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) • They acknowledge His worth—gold for a King, frankincense for God, myrrh for His sacrifice. • They advance His mission—resources placed in His hands multiply (John 6:9-13). Practical ways to lay treasures at His feet Finances • Set aside the first portion for the Lord (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:7-8). • Budget for generosity: missionaries, church ministries, local needs. • Treat every purchase as an act of stewardship. Time • Begin the day in Scripture and prayer (Psalm 5:3). • Block calendar space for church, service, and rest. • Limit distractions that crowd out eternal priorities. Talents & Skills • Volunteer expertise—teach, mentor, repair, create. • Pursue excellence at work “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). • Dedicate artistic gifts to proclaim Christ. Relationships • Offer hospitality (1 Peter 4:9). • Speak truth in love; pray with and for others. • Forgive quickly, reflecting His grace (Ephesians 4:32). Influence & Platforms • Use social media to honor Christ, not self. • Advocate for righteousness and mercy (Micah 6:8). • Encourage fellow believers, especially the overlooked. Plans & Opportunities • Submit career moves and life transitions to His will (James 4:13-15). • View interruptions as divine appointments. • Keep eternity in view when setting goals. Guarding the heart behind the gift • Motive: worship, not recognition (Matthew 6:3-4). • Attitude: cheerful, not reluctant (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Trust: God meets every need when we seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). Daily checkpoints • Morning surrender: “Lord, everything is Yours—direct me.” • Midday pause: evaluate how resources are being used. • Evening gratitude: record instances of giving and God’s faithfulness. Encouraging promises when we open our treasures • “Honor the LORD with your wealth…then your barns will be filled with plenty.” (Proverbs 3:9-10) • “Bring the full tithe…‘Test Me,’ says the LORD Almighty.” (Malachi 3:10) • “Give, and it will be given to you.” (Luke 6:38) As the Magi demonstrated, offering our treasures is simply worship in action—and worship never ends at the manger; it transforms every ordinary moment into an opportunity to honor the King. |
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