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The fourth and final act condemned by Christ as hypocrisy, if improperly done, is the accumulation of wealth. Improperly means, for the phrase of men or making it an end to itself. Everyone lays up "treasurers" in one form or another. It is to this "treasurer" that we dedicate or lives to. Here Christ does not condemn this practice, but rather condemns our "earthly" storage of these treasurers at the expense of Heavenly treasurers.
"Do not lay up treasurers for yourself on earth, but rather lay up treasurers in Heaven." Why? Because earthly treasurers can get lost, they provide only temporary joy, they can come between you and the Lord and they can consume your time and injure your witness. But Heavenly treasurers are eternal and much more rewarding.
The "eye" is here described as the "lamp of the body". The way we look at things determines our attitude towards worldly gain. Two attitudes are described here, about the accumulation of wealth, one good and one evil. Wealth can be used in the advancement of God's Kingdom. Much good can come in the giving to charities, but if it becomes our soul purpose in life, if it consumes all of our energies, then it becomes an evil in itself. The "eye" here can be best translated from its original intention in the Greek to these English words. Heart, understanding and motives. If the heart be "liberally" affected and inclined to goodness and charity, it will direct us to Christian actions.
Understanding will guide our practical judgement and direct our conscience. If our intentions are good we aim purely and only at the Glory of God, seek His honor and favor and direct all our actions to this end. So the "eye" directs our heart, our understanding and our intentions. We must never let "wealth" become our master, "for no one can serve two masters". You will either hate one or the other. You cannot serve God and mammon at the same time. "Mammon" is a name for the desire of the things of this world. The desires of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of this life. Sensual, secular self is the mammon that will become our master, keeping us from serving God. "Choose you this day whom you will serve."
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