What do you treasure most? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we explore Matthew 19:21-22 and Jesus' invitation to the rich young ruler. While God graciously gives us family, security, careers, and countless blessings, none of those gifts are meant to replace the Giver. Jesus calls us to hold every earthly treasure with open hands so our hearts remain fully devoted to Him.

God's kingdom is worth more than anything this world can offer. When we recognize Christ as our greatest treasure, following Him becomes a joyful response rather than a reluctant sacrifice. As we invest our lives in what lasts forever, we discover the peace, joy, and eternal hope that only Jesus can provide.

Highlights:
Discover why Matthew 19:21-22 challenges us to examine what we treasure most.
Learn how even good gifts can become idols when they take God's rightful place.
Be encouraged to pursue eternal treasures that cannot be taken away.
Understand why following Jesus is always a greater gain than anything we leave behind.
Reflect on how your time, attention, and priorities reveal what your heart values most.
Find lasting joy by making Christ your greatest treasure above every earthly possession.

Join the Conversation

What is one thing you find yourself holding onto most tightly? How can you surrender it to God and trust that He is your greatest treasure? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

The Treasure Worth Everything
By Sarah Frazer

Bible Reading:
The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” - Matthew 19:21-22 (ESV)

One morning, while walking my dog, I slowed down to go around a curve. Walking slower allowed my thoughts to shift to the morning sun peaking over the mountains. It was a sweet moment of quiet, peace, and gratitude. I was so thankful to the Lord for all of the good things in my life, the things I still had that were of great value. 

I started listing the relationships, the comfort, and the security God had provided for my family and me after a few years of upheaval and heartache. Those things, as I meditated on them, are wonderful, certainly they are gifts from God, but as I read the Gospel of Matthew, I realized those things can also quietly take center place in my life. 

None of those gifts from God is bad, but they can have the tendency to feel more important than God Himself. I think we can be thankful for the gifts of family, protection, and financial stability. But after reading Jesus’ words in Matthew, there is also a warning. We need to remember that what we treasure most has a way of shaping our hearts.

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

Jesus isn’t just talking about money or possessions, but anything that would take our hearts away from God. In those verses, we see the value of eternal things, instead of earthly things. The two things that will last forever are God's Word and people. The things we invest our time, energy, and attention into reveal what we believe will last.

Do we believe that eternity is coming? We can start now, focusing our minds, our hearts, and our actions on things that will last beyond our years here on earth. It is easy to focus on earthly things because we can see those things, and God’s rewards, God’s treasures, are often unseen. 

If we could see the value of what God is offering to us, as believers, I think we would do as the man does in Matthew 13:44. Jesus tells his followers, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (ESV) God’s kingdom, the eternal things, are worth more than everything we could accumulate here in this lifetime.

Notice that the man sells everything, not out of obligation, but because of joy. God’s kingdom is not a loss; it is a gain beyond comparison. This man found something better, and we, too, can have these things. God’s kingdom offers us peace (Philippians 4:7), joy (John 15:10, and true life (John 10:10). 

So what holds us back? Why do we hesitate? I think the answer can be found later in Matthew when a rich young ruler asks Jesus a question in Matthew 19:16, “Teacher, what must I do to gain eternal life?” Jesus tells him about the law, but then says that to be truly perfect, the rich man had to sell all of his things and give his money to the poor. 

The man walked away because something else was better than Jesus. The lesson for us is not to sell all of our things to follow Jesus – the command from Jesus to this man revealed the man’s heart. He couldn't let go of his wealth, and Jesus knew that. 

Sometimes the things we treasure most can become the very things that keep us from fully trusting God. Only you know your heart, but God also knows. We treasure things like control, comfort, money, routine, and even our image. Those things are not bad, but when they keep us from following, that’s where we are invited to change. God invites us to depend on Him, not these things. 

God isn’t trying to take away the good things in our lives, but He is reminding us that He is something better – following Him will always lead to things that will last. Jesus is the true treasure. At the end of this conversation, Jesus says we will “inherit” eternal life. (Matthew 19:29) Jesus is our treasure! The more we see the beauty of Christ, the more everything else begins to take its proper place.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What am I holding onto most tightly right now? Does it reflect what I truly believe is most valuable? The treasure of knowing God is worth more than anything this world can offer. And when we begin to see that clearly, we don’t have to force ourselves to let go. We simply begin to open our hands—trusting that what He gives is far better than anything we leave behind.

Further Reading:
Colossians 3:2
Philippians 3:8
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Hebrews 11:24-26

What do you treasure most? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we explore Matthew 19:21-22 and Jesus' invitation to the rich young ruler. While God graciously gives us family, security, careers, and countless blessings, none of those gifts are meant to replace the Giver. Jesus calls us to hold every earthly treasure with open hands so our hearts remain fully devoted to Him.
God's kingdom is worth more than anything this world can offer. When we recognize Christ as our greatest treasure, following Him becomes a joyful response rather than a reluctant sacrifice. As we invest our lives in what lasts forever, we discover the peace, joy, and eternal hope that only Jesus can provide.
Highlights:
<ul data-start="774" data-end="1280">
<li data-section-id="tdv7c9" data-start="774" data-end="857">Discover why Matthew 19:21-22 challenges us to examine what we treasure most.</li>
<li data-section-id="1uuey2f" data-start="858" data-end="939">Learn how even good gifts can become idols when they take God's rightful place.</li>
<li data-section-id="1lzsrr4" data-start="940" data-end="1010">Be encouraged to pursue eternal treasures that cannot be taken away.</li>
<li data-section-id="11bvoi2" data-start="1011" data-end="1099">Understand why following Jesus is always a greater gain than anything we leave behind.</li>
<li data-section-id="1ou6k34" data-start="1100" data-end="1189">Reflect on how your time, attention, and priorities reveal what your heart values most.</li>
<li data-section-id="i0qfv8" data-start="1190" data-end="1280">Find lasting joy by making Christ your greatest treasure above every earthly possession.</li>
</ul>
Join the Conversation
What is one thing you find yourself holding onto most tightly? How can you surrender it to God and trust that He is your greatest treasure? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: <a href="https://forums.crosswalk.com/">https://forums.crosswalk.com/</a>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
The Treasure Worth Everything By Sarah Frazer
Bible Reading: The young man said to him, &ldquo;All these I have kept. What do I still lack?&rdquo; Jesus said to him, &ldquo;If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.&rdquo; - Matthew 19:21-22 (ESV)
One morning, while walking my dog, I slowed down to go around a curve. Walking slower allowed my thoughts to shift to the morning sun peaking over the mountains. It was a sweet moment of quiet, peace, and gratitude. I was so thankful to the Lord for all of the good things in my life, the things I still had that were of great value.&nbsp;
I started listing the relationships, the comfort, and the security God had provided for my family and me after a few years of upheaval and heartache. Those things, as I meditated on them, are wonderful, certainly they are gifts from God, but as I read the Gospel of Matthew, I realized those things can also quietly take center place in my life.&nbsp;
None of those gifts from God is bad, but they can have the tendency to feel more important than God Himself. I think we can be thankful for the gifts of family, protection, and financial stability. But after reading Jesus&rsquo; words in Matthew, there is also a warning. We need to remember that what we treasure most has a way of shaping our hearts.
In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus says, &ldquo;Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.&rdquo; (ESV)&nbsp;
Jesus isn&rsquo;t just talking about money or possessions, but anything that would take our hearts away from God. In those verses, we see the value of eternal things, instead of earthly things. The two things that will last forever are God's Word and people. The things we invest our time, energy, and attention into reveal what we believe will last.
Do we believe that eternity is coming? We can start now, focusing our minds, our hearts, and our actions on things that will last beyond our years here on earth. It is easy to focus on earthly things because we can see those things, and God&rsquo;s rewards, God&rsquo;s treasures, are often unseen.&nbsp;
If we could see the value of what God is offering to us, as believers, I think we would do as the man does in Matthew 13:44. Jesus tells his followers, &ldquo;The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.&rdquo; (ESV) God&rsquo;s kingdom, the eternal things, are worth more than everything we could accumulate here in this lifetime.
Notice that the man sells everything, not out of obligation, but because of joy. God&rsquo;s kingdom is not a loss; it is a gain beyond comparison. This man found something better, and we, too, can have these things. God&rsquo;s kingdom offers us peace (Philippians 4:7), joy (John 15:10, and true life (John 10:10).&nbsp;
So what holds us back? Why do we hesitate? I think the answer can be found later in Matthew when a rich young ruler asks Jesus a question in Matthew 19:16, &ldquo;Teacher, what must I do to gain eternal life?&rdquo; Jesus tells him about the law, but then says that to be truly perfect, the rich man had to sell all of his things and give his money to the poor.&nbsp;
The man walked away because something else was better than Jesus. The lesson for us is not to sell all of our things to follow Jesus &ndash; the command from Jesus to this man revealed the man&rsquo;s heart. He couldn't let go of his wealth, and Jesus knew that.&nbsp;
Sometimes the things we treasure most can become the very things that keep us from fully trusting God. Only you know your heart, but God also knows. We treasure things like control, comfort, money, routine, and even our image. Those things are not bad, but when they keep us from following, that&rsquo;s where we are invited to change. God invites us to depend on Him, not these things.&nbsp;
God isn&rsquo;t trying to take away the good things in our lives, but He is reminding us that He is something better &ndash; following Him will always lead to things that will last. Jesus is the true treasure. At the end of this conversation, Jesus says we will &ldquo;inherit&rdquo; eternal life. (Matthew 19:29) Jesus is our treasure! The more we see the beauty of Christ, the more everything else begins to take its proper place.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
What am I holding onto most tightly right now? Does it reflect what I truly believe is most valuable? The treasure of knowing God is worth more than anything this world can offer. And when we begin to see that clearly, we don&rsquo;t have to force ourselves to let go. We simply begin to open our hands&mdash;trusting that what He gives is far better than anything we leave behind.
Further Reading: Colossians 3:2 Philippians 3:8 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Hebrews 11:24-26

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional

The Treasure Worth Everything

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/52be71f3-cf41-4da7-bc35-b486013bb643/transcript