We all have things which we treasure above all else; things we value highly and are willing to sacrifice for. For the Christian it’s no different, except that believers’ most precious treasure is securely stored in heaven.
Jesus, having just instructed His disciples on a right pattern of prayer life, goes on to clarify what should be their ultimate priorities. Jesus said; “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
Jesus once again cut straight to their inner most passions. It’s the same for us today. If you wish to clearly see where your heart’s affections lay, simply look for where you store your most valued treasures.
Mortal reality
Old Testament Nahum reasoned that; “There is no end of the treasure or of the wealth of all precious things” (Nahum 2:9b). Humanly speaking, the pursuit of accumulating possessions and experiences seems endless. However, this mortal life only offers a few short years to acquire precious commodities, so prioritising them is important.
Believers are intended to be spiritually wise investors; recognising the temporary nature of earthly possessions and experiences. Jesus was right; everything we acquire here eventually rots away or ends up being owned by someone else. In time, everyone physically surrenders everything to the sad realities of living in a sin dominated world, and we all lose all that we worked so hard to obtain.
The Lord Jesus, understanding the world system and the way of life, rightly instructed to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” It’s quite simple really; make investments with your time, energy, and possessions which deposit spiritual funds in your heavenly bank account. These intangible deposits will be invisible to the human eye, but recognised and valued highly by the Lord of glory. They will be securely stored by none other than God Almighty where no earthly influence can diminish them.
A doctor’s advice
Doctor Luke recorded Jesus expanding on the relationship between earthly and heavenly treasure. Jesus explained; “make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth (money), so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9). Jesus, who owned nothing of earthly significance, was in fact the wealthiest man who ever live. Jesus’ investment advice has stood the test of time and eternity and is proven to be totally dependable.
Put simply; use your earthly money and possessions as tools for introducing people to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then, when all your money fails to keep your ageing body alive, you will discover your dividends in heaven. The people who came to know Christ because of your right use of financial resources will be in heaven to welcome you upon arrival. Now that’s a genuine long-term investment of true value.
As “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20) I encourage you to evaluate the resources at your disposal. Invest wisely, not based upon this worlds failing values, but determined by the Saviour of your soul. Chose treasures that will last for eternity! As a believer you have been blessed “in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). Draw from God’s resources to use His creativity in His strength and courage to serve others with the Good News of Jesus Christ.