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To Store Up Treasures In Heaven

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

In Matthew 6 Jesus is talking about our relationship to money when he says that we can store up “treasures in heaven.” We gain these heavenly treasures as we use our money to impact God’s kingdom instead of choosing to store up our money for our earthly gain.

These “treasures in heaven” are mentioned elsewhere, too, like when Jesus asks the rich, young ruler to sell all he has and give to the poor. Jesus says the ruler will gain “treasures in heaven” when he uses his material resources at Jesus’ bidding to make a difference for others.

Although the Bible doesn’t exactly define “treasures in heaven” we know that the phrase was common in Jewish vernacular during Jesus’ time. Ancient Jews understood that they were storing up treasure in heaven when they performed deeds of mercy and kindness to people in distress.

I love how author Randy Alcorn puts it when he says, “the greatest deterrent to giving is the illusion that earth is our home.”

When we understand that we are eternal beings it changes everything. This short life on earth does not limit us. We have the opportunity to use our money, time, and resources to impact someone’s life today. And in turn, we get the eternal benefit of these “treasures in heaven”.

I don’t know about you, but I want to use my short time on earth to store up as many as possible!

Today, pray this with me, “Lord, please help me to never forget that I am an eternal being. Help me look daily for opportunities to be storing up treasures in heaven. Present an opportunity today for me to live with open hands. I ask you for an open door of opportunity and the boldness to walk through it. Amen.”