Living Whole Life Worship: A reflection on Treasure and Heart

Living Whole Life Worship: A Reflection on Treasure and Heart

As I stood before you this past Sunday, I was reminded once again that worship is so much more than just singing songs on Sunday morning. It’s a response to what God has done in our lives—a call to live every moment, every talent, and every resource as an act of worship. That’s the essence of whole life worship, and it’s a journey I believe we’re all invited to walk daily.

One of the most challenging and yet freeing aspects of this journey is how we view our treasure—our money, possessions, and resources. Jesus made it clear in Matthew 6:19-21 that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. It’s a sobering reminder that our hearts are often pulled in the direction of what we value most. Money and possessions aren’t inherently bad—they are necessary for life—but they have a way of competing for our primary focus and affection.

In my message, I emphasized that our relationship with money is a spiritual matter. Our bank statements, credit card bills, and budgets reveal what we truly treasure. They tell the story of what we prioritize and what we care about most. If we’re honest, many of us spend more time and energy analyzing our finances than we do engaging with God’s Word or prayer. That’s why I encouraged us to look at these financial documents as worship artifacts—they reflect our worship and priorities, whether we realize it or not.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:24 are clear: “No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and money.” This isn’t about guilt or pressure; it’s about posture. It’s about aligning our hearts with God’s kingdom rather than the fleeting treasures of this world. When we put God first—seeking His kingdom and righteousness—everything else falls into its proper place.

Trusting God with our finances is an act of worship and surrender. It’s about recognizing that everything we have belongs to Him—He is the owner, and we are simply stewards. Proverbs 3:9 reminds us to honor the Lord with our wealth and the firstfruits of all our produce. Giving from a posture of trust, not out of obligation or guilt, transforms our hearts and aligns us with God’s purpose.

I shared a personal story about how Ruth and I learned to give from the first, not the leftovers. That shift from control to trust changed everything for us. It’s a daily choice to prioritize God’s kingdom over our fears and desires. When we do, we experience the freedom and peace that only He can give.

So, as we reflect on whole life worship, I invite you to consider: what does your bank statement say about what you treasure most? Are your finances a reflection of your faith? Do you pray about your money as much as you talk about it? Remember, this isn’t about pressure but about posture—about aligning our hearts with God’s love and trust.

Let’s live lives where every part—our time, talents, and treasures—are offered back to Him in worship. Because ultimately, everything belongs to Him. Our act of giving is a declaration that we trust His provision and that our hearts are fully committed to His kingdom.

As we move into a moment of silence and reflection, I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where your heart truly is. Are you giving out of worship or fear? Out of trust or obligation? Let’s choose to live whole life worship—where our treasure, and our hearts, are fully surrendered to Jesus.

Remember, Jesus never asks us to give more than He has already given. His body and blood poured out in sacrifice at the cross are the ultimate act of surrender and love. As we partake in communion, let’s do so with open hands and hearts, acknowledging that all we have is a gift from Him.

May we be a people formed by grace, shaped by worship, and joyfully surrendered in every aspect of our lives. Because when our hearts are aligned with His, we find the true treasure—peace, joy, and fulfillment in Him alone.