Matthew 6:22-24 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! No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
The three verses we are considering in this post are a follow up from the previous three. After cautioning His disciples to store heavenly treasure rather than earthly treasure, Jesus expounds on that thought in these verses.
The eyes Jesus mentions are spiritual eyes. Physical eyesight does not make one good or evil. What our spirit looks for and sees will determine whether we are light or dark inside. Do we seek out the things of God? Do we search for heavenly treasure? If so, we will be full of light (goodness).
On the other hand, if we focus on the treasure of the world, we will be dark (bad) inside. There is no neutral ground. We cannot love God and love the world.
This does not mean a Christian has to live in poverty or without any comforts. It means that holiness, love, mercy, and compassion must be more important than a large bank account, fancy home, or expensive car. Obeying and pleasing God should be our most important goal. If God blesses us with some material things, all is good. However, if obeying God means giving up a comfortable life, we should be willing to do so.
When material goods or worldly success take precedence in our heart, the things of God will be pushed out. We will compromise our beliefs and make decisions based on worldly values.
God will not accept partial allegiance. It is an all or nothing deal. We are either fully devoted to Him or not devoted at all.
Father, You know my heart. Show me where my desires lie. Help me to turn away from those things that are not from You. Cause my desire for You and what You value to grow.