Treasures in Heaven
Treasures in Heaven. The very word conjures up a whole host of ideas. We all love stories of buried treasures, we think of those things in life we treasure the most, and we are often captivated by stories of the rich and famous.
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21, NKJV
Treasures in Heaven
Treasure! The very word conjures up a whole host of ideas. We all love
stories of buried treasures, we think of those things in life we
treasure the most, and we are often captivated by stories of the rich
and famous. Knowing these things, Jesus said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." Why? He continued, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
We are back to the heart attitude, are we not? Jesus knew that whatever
and whoever we treasure the most, will have the most influence and
significance in our daily lives.
We think of those with the most money as being the happiest people in
the whole world, and yet we know that is not case. Often they are the
most corrupt, the most ruthless, the most selfish, and the most
miserable. For, when we have little, then we have little to lose, but if
we have much, then we have much to lose.
Sadly, in our world today, we are often identified by our wealth or lack
of it. Even as a child, I did not have to grow very old to discover
that the kids from wealthy families not only banded together, but were
often treated with more privileges even by our teachers. Money made a
difference even then!
Jesus encouraged us to see the fallacy of the world's thinking. Wealth
and money do not have the ability to make us happy, nor, in the end, do
they give us any more security. As a matter of fact, there is no such
thing as true financial security, although we tend to aim for it all of
our lives.
Security only comes from God! In Christ we have all of the riches of the
world, for the riches we have in Christ will not disappear the day we
leave this earth, but will multiply ten, twenty, or a hundred-fold when
we enter eternity. That is why Jesus said, "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."
To what is Jesus referring? We certainly cannot put our earthly money in
a heavenly bank account! Jesus is not speaking of currency or money.
Jesus is speaking of the deeds we do on this earth. Rather than spend
every waking hour amassing great things for ourselves on this earth, let
us spend ourselves advancing the kingdom of God.
How do we do that? Let us be soldiers for Christ. Just as a soldier
needs to be trained, let us spend time reading, studying, memorizing,
and meditating upon God's Holy Word. Our Bibles are literally our
manuals for life--eternal life. Then let us spend time in prayer seeking
God's help and grace to make His values our values. As we arm ourselves
with His armor, let us then go forth winning souls for Christ.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
Ephesians 6:13-18, NKJV
This is where our hearts need to be, valiantly loving and serving our God, and committing our very souls and lives to the Lord Jesus Christ who has given His life for us!
Go then, and seek God's heavenly treasure. That is the true way to peace, happiness, and joy--for all eternity!
Devotional Reflections from the Bible
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