What does it mean that 'where your treasure is there will your heart be also' (Matthew 6:21; Luke 12:34)?

TL;DR:

Jesus taught that our focus should not be on earthly things, which are fleeting, but on things of eternal value. We should have a heavenly perspective, aiming to honor the Lord, including with our earthly treasures.

what does the bible say?

Matthew 6:21 records Jesus' words, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (see also Luke 12:34). Most simply, this means that the things we give our money, time, and attention to are the things our hearts will care about. Practically, we know this is true. We invest in the things that matter to us; and, when we invest in something, it begins to matter to us. As always, to best understand any passage of Scripture, it is helpful to look at the surrounding context as well as related Scripture.

Jesus' statement in Matthew 6 that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" comes in the context of the Sermon on the Mount. After His warning not to fast for the accolades of others but instead unto God, "and your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:18), Jesus says: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasure 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).

from the old testament

“My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you” (Proverbs 7:1). Solomon describes that our treasure should be in the Lord and His words.
He also warns that having earthly treasure can be a curse rather than a blessing: “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it” (Proverbs 15:16)

from the new testament

"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" (Matthew 6:24). If our focus is on amassing worldly wealth for ourselves and our sense of security, we will be hindered from serving God.
Jesus illustrates this in the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13–21), who built larger barns to store the abundance of his crops and said to himself, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry" (Luke 12:19). "But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:20–21).
From a biblical perspective, our earthly treasures are tools. Ultimately, they all belong to God, and we are to steward them wisely (Luke 16:10–13).
Jesus reminds His disciples, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:31–33).

implications for today

Often, our impulse to store up vast amounts of earthly treasure or to seek out earthly accolades is founded in fear. But when our trust is in God, we can view our finances, time, and abilities as gifts from Him entrusted to us for His glory. We can rest secure in His love and care for us, trusting in Him rather than in fleeting things. As our hearts are inclined to God, so, too, will our treasures be directed toward things that He values. Galatians 6:7–9 encourages, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Jesus also said, "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you" (Luke 6:37–38). When we treasure the things God treasures, our hearts are knit to His and we reap much joy, both in this life and for eternity.

understand

What we invest in shows where our heart truly lies.
We are called to focus on heavenly treasures, which are secure and eternal, rather than temporary earthly gains.
Aligning our resources with God’s kingdom reflects treasure that will last.

reflect

What do your current investments of time, money, and energy reveal about where your heart is focused? Are there areas where you feel your priorities might need adjustment?
How can you shift your focus from temporary earthly gains to eternal treasures in your daily life?
How can you better align your use of resources with God’s kingdom to ensure your heart is invested in what truly matters?

engage

How does the principle of sowing to the Spirit (Galatians 6:7–9) challenge or reinforce your current approach to investing in eternal versus temporary things?
How can understanding the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13–21) help us evaluate our own attitudes toward wealth and security?
What practical steps can we take to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, while managing our earthly responsibilities?