Your Inbox & Your Affections

Show me your email inbox, and I will show you where your heart is! I said this in a sermon not long ago. Somewhat surprisingly, that comment went over like a lead balloon. Or, in preacher language, the premeditated remark I intended to clearly illustrate and definitively articulate my point crashed and burned. For a few uncomfortable pulpit moments, I felt about as popular as a Biden/Harris supporter at a MAGA rally (or vice versa). What I thought was an insightful example, instead incited some annoyance.

However, that’s quite alright. I pastor a wonderful group of Christian folks who realize, every once in a while, something the preacher says is going to “hit a little too close to home” or “stomp on some toes,” as they say in the South. The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to reprove, rebuke and exhort with complete patience and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2). Hence, every now and then, a pastor is going to say something that is going to rub the sheep wrong way. So be it. I love the people God has given me to shepherd. In fact, I love them enough to challenge them to examine their own hearts, their priorities, and to ask themselves if they are maturing as Christians? Therefore, I stand by my original statement … show me your email inbox and I will show you where your heart is.

Of course, I don’t have specific chapter and verse to prove this, but let me give you a little Biblical background that I think verifies my claim. The passage I was preaching from (when this disagreeable declaration was made) was the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapters 5-7. On the shores of the Sea of Galilee Jesus made any number of shocking assertions including this one, “where your treasure is, there will be your heart also” (Matthew 6:21). To clarify, the Lord had just finished telling His hillside hearers not to lay up treasures on earth, which are unsatisfactory, short-lived and ultimately will fade away. Rather to focus life on eternity and lay up treasure in heaven, where our rewards are eternal and lastingly enjoyable. The point Jesus was making (and the point I was attempting to make) was this, you can tell what people truly value by what captures their time and attention. One’s “treasure” is the accumulative result of their efforts.

Those who devote their lives to accruing earthly wealth and material goods, yearn to have temporal treasures all around them. Further yet, they measure success by the amount of stuff they accumulate. Contrariwise, those who live life with one eye on eternity, certainly enjoy the material things God gives them, but the focus of their lives is on matters of eternal significance. Such as, honoring Christ in all they do and pointing others to the soul-saving Gospel of Christ. These heavenly-minded folks measure success by how much of an eternal impact their lives have made.

Jesus, the Master Teacher, instructs His followers to refocus their attention and efforts on issues of eternal significance, or, not to waste their lives hoarding up material possessions that will soon be left behind. Instead, we are to invest our lives in eternity. Folks, simply stated, you can tell what is important to someone by what and where, they invest their time and money. Where one devotes their energy will reveal what they treasure. The point I was attempting to make by my brash statement was this: if you want to know what is important to someone, look at their email inbox. There you will find what someone cares deeply about. Therefore, I stand by my remark, even if it means I’m as warmly received as a skunk in a perfume parlor.

Seriously, when you get done thinking me an unwelcome nuisance… browse your email inbox and see if what I’m suggesting isn’t true? Are you into hunting, sports, couponing, dining out, shopping, traveling, antiquing, or investing? Your inbox will accurately reveal what interests you. If you’re someone who loves to shop, your inbox will be filled with email advertisements from retailers. If camping-out is something you and your family love, then your inbox will fill regularly with all the gear necessary for extended camping trips and hiking. Maybe you’re into racing, or rebuilding old cars, then you’ll get daily get emails soliciting you buy from this vendor or visit this track. On and on we could go.

Now let me be clear. I am in no way suggesting that having an inbox full of politicians soliciting support or appeals to check out the latest smartphone or to try this new Disney experience, is wrong. It isn’t. I am not saying that it is. One reason God designed this planet is for us to appreciate and experience it. Many of you work hard and have every right to enjoy the fruits of your labors. So, if you’re into in old books or the newest fashion, good for you. I don’t mean to imply, you’re not right with God because you’re into other things.

However, if you confess to be a Christian, and someone looked at your inbox would they also see the emphasis you place on spiritual matters? Do you get emails about theology? Biblical studies? Exhortations to grow in the faith? Does the mail you receive point your mind to spiritual disciplines? The fact is, what captures our interests is what we value. One’s inbox is a pretty good indicator of what is important to us. As Christ taught, what we treasure will be made clear by what garners our attention.

Perhaps I’m just being persnickety? Perhaps this article will be about as (un)popular as my initial statement. Maybe so? But at the risk of redundancy, I assert your inbox will clearly expose what you hold dear. It will show where your heart is. And that’s just as true for my email account as yours.

In case someone is reading this who doesn’t have email, the same point could be made about your thought life. What you think about most, is what you treasure. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Maybe you need to “unsubscribe” from some earthly attractions, and focus more on eternity? What does your inbox reveal about your affections?

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