1 Treasure in Heaven
In these verses from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents us with choices. There are not a multitude of options to consider: just two alternatives. Which will you choose? The choices we make can affect not just how we live our life now, but our eternal destiny.
Jesus begins:
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6: 19 – 21 [NIV]
We can store up treasure on earth, or we can store up treasure in heaven. Our earthly treasure, whether money or possessions, can be stolen or may be destroyed. In any case, we will not be able to take it with us when we die.
On the other hand, treasures in heaven are both safe and permanent. To lay up treasure in heaven is to do anything on earth whose effects will last for all eternity.
On the one hand, Jesus is calling us not to be selfish, but to be generous with our resources. 'Do not lay up for yourselves' he says. On the other hand, he is showing us the danger we put ourselves in if we put our trust in material things (verse 21). Ultimately, what we do with our treasure is a test of our loyalty to God.
The problem with materialism is that if you have everything now there is nothing to look forward to. [Colin Sinclair]
Are you storing up treasure in heaven?
Lord God, you are the creator of all things. Thank you for all you have given me that helps me through life. Help me never to put my trust in them, but to use them wisely so that you may be glorified. Amen.
David Long
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