Chaplains’ Chat
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21
This passage from the Gospel of Matthew challenges us to reflect deeply on what we value most in life and where we place our trust. It’s a passage all about investment, not what to invest in but where your investment lies. We all want secure investments, whether in relationships, jobs, time or finances. We all want safety and assurance.
This week in Chapel, Mr Ng shared these words of Jesus, encouraging us to evaluate what we treasure in our hearts. He reminded us that the issue at the core of Jesus’ teaching is security—because so many things in this world simply don’t last. In his talk, Mr Ng shared some stories of people whose treasures failed to satisfy: the YouTuber Benji Plant, whose life was devastated when his L.A. home was destroyed in January during the fires; NBA star Kevin Durant, who expressed a feeling of emptiness, even after achieving his championship goal, and a personal story of academic disappointment after receiving one of his HSC results in Year 12. The fact is that often, these earthly treasures, though good things, fail to meet our deeper needs or lead to disappointment.
These examples remind us that earthly successes and possessions often fail to meet the deeper needs of our hearts. Jesus’ words invite us to reconsider what we are striving for and to turn our focus toward treasures that hold eternal value. True security is found not in the things of this world but in the hope and promises of heaven. By reorienting our hearts toward God’s kingdom, we find a treasure that satisfies in ways nothing else can. A treasure that promises forgiveness, peace and eternal life to all who seek it.
Rev John Sheldon
Chaplain (Acting)