What Are You Really Chasing?

The direction of your life is determined by what you value most.

The Treasure Hunt That Said Everything

One of my favorite things to do with my daughters growing up…

Was treasure hunts.

I’d tell them I had a treat.

Describe it just enough to get them excited…

And then—right when they were ready to explode with anticipation—I’d say:

“I can’t remember where I put it.”

Their faces would drop.

But then I’d hand them a clue.

And just like that…

They were off.

Running from one place to the next—laughing, searching, hoping.

It was never just about the treat.

It was about the search.

And the excitement of finding something valuable.

The Treasure Hunts We Don’t Realize We’re On

The truth is…

We’re all on treasure hunts.

Every day.

We search for:

  • success

  • money

  • recognition

  • happiness

  • comfort

  • entertainment

Even small things:

  • our keys

  • the remote

  • the next distraction

We are constantly seeking something.

The Question That Changes Everything

There’s a powerful truth shared in the transcript:

“What we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are—and who we will become.”

That leads to one simple—but life-changing question:

What is your treasure?

Because whatever you treasure…

Is what you will pursue.

Your Life Is Built on What You Value

We often think values are just ideas.

But they’re not.

They’re revealed through action.

As explained in the transcript:

Your values are not defined by what you say…
they’re defined by what you do.

If you value honesty—you live it.

If you value family—you prioritize it.

If you value success above all else…

That will show up too.

Why the “Wrong” Treasure Feels Empty

There’s a reason people can:

  • achieve success

  • make money

  • gain recognition

And still feel like something is missing.

Because those things were never meant to be the ultimate treasure.

As shared in the transcript, even after achieving everything he dreamed of, Tom Brady still found himself asking:

“There’s got to be more than this.”

That feeling?

It’s a clue.

The Treasure That Actually Lasts

One of the most powerful teachings comes from Jesus Christ:

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21

And also:

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36

That’s the ultimate perspective.

Because not all treasure is equal.

Some lasts.

Some doesn’t.

The Power of Choosing Your Values

Here’s where things get practical.

If you don’t decide what you value…

The world will decide for you.

That’s why one of the best things you can do is:

Define your core values.

Not what sounds good.

Not what others expect.

But what truly matters to you.

As shown in the transcript, when values are clearly defined and consistently lived, they shape not only who you are—but what your life becomes.

Anchoring Quote

“That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives and our character.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Practical Reflection

Take a moment and ask yourself:

What am I actually chasing right now?

  • What takes most of my time?

  • What do I think about most?

  • What do my actions show I value?

Now ask:

Is that the treasure I truly want?

Today’s Daily Challenge

Take one intentional step today:

  1. Write down 3–4 core values you want to live by

  2. Choose one

  3. Act on it today

  • Show kindness

  • Choose honesty

  • Prioritize family

  • Practice integrity

Don’t just define it.

Live it.

Closing

Life is a treasure hunt.

You are always searching for something.

The question is…

Are you searching for the right things?

Because what you seek…

You will become.

So choose your treasure wisely.

And then go after it—with everything you’ve got.

🔗 https://joshdowns.com/daily-devotionals
🔗 https://joshdowns.com/come-follow-me-for-teens

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