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Day 1: Reorienting Our Ambitions Toward Eternity

In a world that often equates success with material wealth, it is crucial to reassess what we truly value. Earthly treasures, while alluring, are temporary and can never provide lasting peace or security. Instead, we are called to invest in spiritual riches that hold eternal significance. This shift in focus requires us to evaluate our core values and priorities, ensuring they align with the pursuit of heavenly treasures. By doing so, we not only find true fulfillment but also reflect the values of the Kingdom of God in our lives.

“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.”

Matthew 6:19-21 ESV

Reflection: What is one earthly treasure you find yourself clinging to, and how can you begin to shift your focus toward investing in spiritual riches today?

Day 2: The Perils of Greed

Greed is a subtle yet powerful force that can lead to spiritual darkness and emptiness. Like Thorin in “The Hobbit,” unchecked desire for wealth can result in destructive behavior and a loss of what truly matters. True fulfillment is found not in accumulating possessions but in valuing relationships and practicing selflessness. By recognizing the dangers of greed, we can choose to prioritize love and generosity, which bring light and joy into our lives.

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

1 Timothy 6:9-10 ESV

Reflection: Identify a way in which greed has influenced your decisions or relationships. How can you actively choose generosity and selflessness in that area today?

Day 3: The Eye as the Lamp of Desire

Our desires shape who we are and how we act. A “healthy eye” signifies a singular focus on God, while an “evil eye” represents greed and covetousness. By aligning our desires with God’s will, we fill our lives with light and goodness, avoiding the pitfalls of materialism. This alignment requires intentionality and a commitment to seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of life, allowing His light to illuminate our path.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

Matthew 6:22-23 ESV

Reflection: What desires currently dominate your thoughts and actions? How can you refocus your “eye” to align more closely with God’s will today?

Day 4: The Transformative Power of a New Affection

Overcoming worldly desires requires cultivating a deeper love for God. As Thomas Chalmers and C.S. Lewis suggest, our hearts are transformed by a greater affection for the divine. By immersing ourselves in the beauty and mystery of the gospel, we experience true joy and satisfaction. This transformation is not instantaneous but a journey of growing closer to God and allowing His love to reshape our hearts and desires.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Colossians 3:1-2 ESV

Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your affection for God and allow His love to transform your desires today?

Day 5: Marveling at the Grandeur of God

The glory of God surpasses any earthly experience, offering a treasure that is incomparable. Like Perpetua, whose love for Christ outweighed her fear of death, we are encouraged to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. By marveling at His grandeur, we find our ultimate treasure in Him, experiencing a fulfillment and joy that the world cannot offer. This perspective shift invites us to live with an eternal mindset, valuing what truly matters.

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalm 73:25-26 ESV

Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of awe and wonder at the grandeur of God in your daily life, and what impact might this have on your priorities and decisions?