Jesus said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Let me ask you a question. If you have a job or a business, how much effort do you put into it? If you are typical, I am guessing it will be a lot. Let me ask you another question. Why do you expend so much effort?
Again, if you are typical, you will say it is to earn more money to afford a better lifestyle for yourself and your family. You will get a bigger house or a faster car; if you are more ambitious, you might even want a little yacht. Am I right?
A third question. How much of this will you take away with you when you die? Nothing, right? You will be buried six feet under the ground with a suit of clothes that will disappear along with the rest of your body in no time at all. Dust to dust.
Now there is something beyond death. It is life everlasting. Which means it pretty much goes on forever. And while we put in so much effort to secure things here on earth that don’t last, most of us do nothing to ensure we have built up something for ourselves in heaven. We need to store up treasures in heaven. How do we do this? There are plenty of ways, but here are three to get you started.
One: Seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). We need to pursue Christ above all things, and when we discover him, like Paul, we will automatically forsake everything because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, our Lord (Philippians 4:8).
Two: Don’t run after wealth or the things of the world. There is nothing wrong with being rich, but if we give more importance to money and possessions than we do to God, it can be a bit of a problem. Read the story of the rich young man in the gospel of Mark (Mark 10:17-31).
Three: Help the poor and those in need. Jesus told us to invite “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind” to a feast and said that although they may not be able to repay us, we would be repaid by him at the resurrection (Luke 14:13-14).
So, dear friend, what are you waiting for? Start storing up treasure where it matters: in heaven!
May the Spirit be with you.