Treasures of the Heart: Living for What Lasts

Six months ago, Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Kristyn Pierfelice and her family faced unimaginable loss. As floodwaters rose, her husband Roddy tied their two older children—Levi, 11, and Ara, 7—to himself with a rope, while Kristyn clutched their 1-year-old desperate to reach higher ground. The current was merciless, ripping them apart. Kristyn survived, clinging to a tree for hours until rescue came, her arms scratched raw. Roddy, Levi, and Ara didn’t make it. Their home—filled with family photos, kids’ drawings, and Roddy’s guitar—was swept away. Later, amid the debris, Kristyn found a single shoe belonging to Ara—a piercing reminder of treasures far deeper than possessions. It’s a story that stops us cold and forces a question: What are we really living for?

This Sunday, we’ll dive into Matthew 6:19–21, where Jesus says, “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Kristyn’s loss echoes this truth—earthly things vanish in a flash. Yet Jesus offers hope beyond the wreckage, calling us to a righteousness that reflects His kingdom, not our achievements. Let’s unpack three ways He reshapes our lives.

An Eternal Perspective: Treasures in Heaven
Jesus isn’t against possessions; He’s against hoarding them for ourselves. Matthew 6:19–20 contrasts the fragility of earthly wealth—rusting, stolen, or washed away—with the permanence of heavenly treasure. Kristyn’s story proves it: a house built over the years disappeared in minutes, but the love she poured into her family hints at something eternal. Matthew 25:35–36 shows us how to build that treasure: “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat… I was in prison and you visited me.” Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked—these acts of love outlast any bank account. Where’s your heart? If it’s tied to “stuff,” it’s vulnerable. If it’s tied to God’s kingdom, it’s secure forever.

Seeking First the Kingdom
Jesus doubles down in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” This isn’t about outdoing the Pharisees, who turned faith into a rule-keeping contest (Matthew 5:20). It’s about a heart transformed by love—loving God fully and our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37–39). Think of the wildflowers in Luke 12:27–28—they don’t toil, yet God dresses them in splendor. If He cares for them, won’t He care for us? Seeking the kingdom means trusting His provision over our stockpiles letting His will guide our daily choices. It’s a shift from worry to worship, from grasping to giving.

We Are Witnesses to the World
Finally, Jesus calls us to shine. Matthew 5:14–16 says, “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” We’re not of this world (John 17:16–18), but we’re sent into it—humble, merciful, peacemakers (Matthew 5:3–10). The Pharisees chased applause; Jesus calls us to reflect God’s glory. Imagine living with peace amid chaos, generosity in a greedy culture—people notice. Kristyn’s resilience, even in grief, points to something bigger. Our lives can too, inviting others to ask, “Why do you live that way?” The answer? Because Jesus changed us.

Where Do We Go From Here?
Kristyn’s shoe in the rubble is a sobering image—life’s fragility laid bare. But Jesus points us beyond the floodwaters to a kingdom that can’t be shaken. Store treasures in heaven—give generously, serve humbly. Seek God’s kingdom first—trust Him, let His love shape you. Shine as witnesses—live so others see Him. Start small: share a meal, forgive a grudge, tell someone why you hope in Christ. These steps build a life that lasts. Need a next step? We’re here—let’s walk this together.

Those Serving
OPENING / WELCOME
Wes Grushon
SONG LEADER
Eric Renegar
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Tony Bumbalough
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Matthew Ringle
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Randy Mullins
Matthew Barnhart
Jim Rutter
Nathan Armstrong
SCRIPTURE READING
Brayden Grushon
Matthew 6:19-21
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Dylan Schofield
CLOSING COMMENTS
Dan Spargo
WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald / Sadonna Schofield
USHERS
Rogers Robins / Justin Spargo
SONG DEVOTIONAL
Jason Schofield
COMMUNION PREP
Stephanie Braden
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Mike Rosato