Treasures in Heaven

We will either spend our days and years accumulating earthly things or building up the storehouse of treasures in heaven. Social and other media continually work to divert our focus toward all the latest, biggest, fastest, and flashiest attention-getting things of this temporary realm.

Our condominium is presently in the process of fund raising for life-saving defibrillator. Most of the owners, past the prime of life, have stored up boxes and bins filled with a vast assortment of paphernalia they have accumulated over the years. We came into the world with nothing but a cry. We will all too soon leave this world just as empty handed. Why do we possess this urge to grasp temporary things so tightly? Why do we place greater trust in the things around us rather than in eternal things?

True motivations often lie hidden and dormant. Most of us have faced difficult times in years gone by — years of doing without, pinching pennies, and stretching dollars. We may also have enjoyed the fleeting times of abundance. Is it insecurity? Or fear? Thought the reasons may be many, those with an eternal focus realize both the temporary nature of this world, but also the reality that we will (sooner or later) surrender all our possessions. Everything we release to God will multiply in ways we could never imagine.

Don’t we all want treasures that will carry into eternity?

“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.”
Matthew 6:19-21

The Greatest Treasure

Paul, like many of us, exercised his abilities, seeking and to a great degree attaining the accolades of this world. Even as a young man, he excelled beyond many his age, exceeding expectations and stepping into his dream of becoming great. But after a divine encounter with Jesus, his assessment of what was really valuable took an about turn.

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”
Philippians 3:7-9

In comparison to Jesus Christ, everything else amounts to garbage. Everything! No matter what it is, next to Jesus it proves hollow and worthless. He alone is priceless!

With lives anchored in Jesus, the things that once consumed and amused us no longer hold either our attention or affection.

Jesus told this parable about treasure:

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Matthew 13:44-46

Sadly, I have witnessed people sell everything for an addiction, a selfish or unrealistic dream, or a chance at riches or fame. Wasted lives occupy street corners, jail cells, and church pews. Some people turn their lives over to Jesus and receive a second change before it is too late. Others continue the downward spiral of self-destruction.

Eternal Investment

The Bible gives us insight in how to store up treasures in heaven.

• Even small acts of service receive a reward. “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward” (Matthew 10:42).
• Seeking and honoring God over human accolades carry a reward. “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:16-18).
• Investing gifts into the Kingdom yields a sure reward. “The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor” (1 Corinthians 3:8). And also, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
• We can store up treasure in heaven simply by honoring others who minister for God. “Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward” (Matthew 10:41).
• God greatly rewards those persecuted for Christ’s sake. “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven …” (Luke 6:22-23).
• Do you live with an expectation of Jesus and with an eternal mindset? Timothy speaks of crowns awaiting you. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
• “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done” (Revelation 22:12).

Eternal Reward

There exists an invisible link between earth and heaven. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our devotion will belong to wherever we consider our greatest treasure.

Although we never work or strive for rewards, God rewards those who faithfully serve and follow Him. He wastes nothing! Even the smallest acts of kindness receive an eternal reward. We are not human doings. We are human beings. With hearts attuned to God — compassionate and generous toward those around us — our actions here on earth create storehouses of eternal benefits in the life to come. Only God could and would orchestrate something so marvelous.

The heart reveals our deepest loyalties. God knows our true motivations and rewards accordingly.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you“
1 Peter 1:3-4

Whatever time we have left on this earth, may we use it to advance God’s Kingdom and to store up an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. May God find you faithful and may an abundance of treasures in heaven await you.

Bless you, my friends.