Most people keep their most precious treasures close to them. They devote their life to accumulating and hoarding vast treasures. But those things are not the most precious things in the life of a Christian. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus instructed His disciples to seek first to build the kingdom of God. He also explained how good deeds are only righteous when done out of sincere devotion to God.
Matthew 6:20 – Treasures in HeavenEarthly treasures are of no ultimate value. In contrast, heavenly treasures are everlasting and incorruptible. It is infinitely more prudent, Jesus teaches, to store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Heaven is a place where a treasure’s value is never lost.
We should be working towards godly goals—”storing up” rewards in heaven with choices driven by sincere devotion to God.
“The ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity.” — Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness” Created by Jenae Nelson.
Our material treasures will not pass from this life to the next, but the good that has been done for the kingdom of God through the use of our treasures lasts for eternity, and the work God does in us through faithful giving will last for eternity.
Several other teachings of Jesus confirm this meaning: laying up treasures in heaven is giving money away for Christ’s sake rather than accumulating it. For example, In Luke 12, Jesus tells us that God knows we need the things the nations of the world eagerly seek and our Father in heaven will add these things to us. So, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”(NASB)
But you Christians are God’s chosen treasure —priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience His marvelous light, and now He claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world.
In other words, love God first and foremost. Obey him and seek his kingdom! He will take care of your material needs because he cares for you!
Six ways to store treasures in heaven include:
- help the poor and those in need,
- take risks that will honor God,
- live a simple life,
- seek the Kingdom of God first,
- trust the Promises of God,
- and do not be anxious.
Where we place our treasure indicates the real priority of our hearts. Love and affection, value and esteem are placed on what one treasures. We are to watch the way we live our lives – it will show us what we highly esteem.
Jesus is asking us not to put our hearts and hopes in material possessions. He wants our hearts to be free for the great work of the Kingdom – loving God and loving one another. When we sit with Jesus and examine our attitudes towards money and possessions, do they take too great a place in our hearts and minds?
If there was ever a summary verse that depicts the battle between good and evil, heaven and the world, it would be Matthew 6:19-21. The reference to “treasures on earth” speaks to the intoxication of worldly pleasures, while “treasures in heaven” points to spiritual blessings that have infinite, eternal value.
Jesus draws the conclusion that you can only have your treasure (and your heart) in one place; we can’t lay up treasure on earth and in heaven at the same time.
In Conclusion – The Most Precious Gifts
In conclusion, as Christians, our most precious treasures are not material possessions, but rather our dedication to building the kingdom of God and living our lives in sincere devotion to Him. By seeking first to build the kingdom of God and performing good deeds out of genuine devotion, we can truly honor our faith and live a righteous life.
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Consider the Daily Bread email message sent on 2/25/2009 and 01/17/2024 which says,
Matthew 6:20 – But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; (NASB)
What if you had a gloomy day? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could pick up a little book and read from it all the evidence of God’s grace in your life?
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