Where our treasure truly lies
"While we’d love to do it all, we are finite people with finite resources. So, we must choose. And in choosing, we reveal where our treasure truly lies." —Dr. McAninch
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” —Matthew 6:21
Studies suggest that the average adult makes around 35,000 decisions each day. Most of these decisions are so minuscule and mundane they appear insignificant. But together, these choices shape the substance our lives. They are not just decisions; they are directional signs pointing to what we value most.
As a family scientist and practitioner, my role is all about helping families clarify their values so we can shape their everyday decisions around those values. To help clarify their values, we often ask families to complete activities like time diaries or spending logs because we know the little things—their habits and daily practices—tell the larger story. What do their habits suggest are priorities? Are their decisions reinforcing or rejecting the values they say they hold?
In Matthew 6:21, Jesus reminds us that our hearts follow our treasure. What we do with our time, talent, and treasure is not just a reflection of our priorities—it defines them. Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount are not simply about money; they are about our big-picture focus. What we treasure and prioritize reveal what—and ultimately who—we trust.
Years ago, one of my professors, Dr. David Sherwood, said something that has stayed with me ever since: “You cannot maximize all values simultaneously.” That simple truth carries profound wisdom. Whether we are students, parents, professionals, or friends, we all face the challenge of aligning our lives with what matters most. While we’d love to do it all, we are finite people with finite resources. So, we must choose. And in choosing, we reveal where our treasure truly lies.
Living well is learning to prioritize well—and in doing so, learning to trust deeply in a Heavenly Father who sees, knows, and provides. Let us live in such a way that the things we treasure align with the One we follow.
Nicole M. McAninch, PhD, MSW, CFLE
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Human Sciences and Design