“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20 NIV)
Many people are preoccupied with money and possessions, whether from a desire to acquire wealth they lack, or from fear of losing what they have. But Jesus warns us not to set our heart on material wealth, since it is uncertain. Earthly treasures can be destroyed or stolen. They don’t last forever. Moreover, even if we are rich for our entire life, we can’t take our possessions with us when we die.
Jesus gives us different advice: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20 NIV). He speaks of imperishable heavenly wealth that we can accumulate by living with God. Earlier in this chapter, He mentions prayer, fasting, and giving to the needy as things that will be rewarded by God. The “treasures” we gather in this way are safely stored in heaven. They do not spoil, are not taken away from us, and keep their value after death. Paul also writes about this in 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV): “Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Heavenly treasures are not visible and you can’t check your “balance”. You only have God’s promise. Is that enough for you?
What treasures are you trying to collect, and where do you store them?