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Participation in the kingdom is dependent not only on true righteousness and a piety that seeks God’s glory, but also on a proper attitude toward material things. Jesus addresses two problems in this passage: wealth (vv.19-24) and worry over basic needs (vv.25-34).
In 6:19-24 Jesus demands that his disciples give their full allegiance and devotion to God (“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven”) rather than to the accumulation of wealth (treasures on earth). He gives three reasons for this admonition: (1) material things offer no security, since they are themselves susceptible to destruction (v.20); (2) the quality of personal character (the heart) is determined by the object of commitment and devotion (v.21); (3) the attempt to divide allegiance between God and money is doomed to failure; it can lead only to self-deception (vv.22-23) and the despising of God (v.24).
Jesus goes on to indicate that worry is just as destructive to the spiritual life as is greed. Disciples must not worry about the basic needs of life (vv.25, 31-32), for such worry stems from little faith (v.30). Rather, disciples should recognize that the heavenly Father is able and willing to provide for all of their needs (vv.25b-30). Indeed, as disciples invest themselves in the work of God in the world, they will be freed from all anxiety regarding the future (vv.33-34).