Treasure in Heaven

Scripture:  Matthew 6 v 19 - 21:  "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."


Nearly everybody loves lots of wealth and material possessions to make living on Earth an easy and joyful experience. The down side of having all the riches of this world is keeping thieves from finding a way to make you share it with them.

From "trusted" accountants to those who kidnap loved ones for ransom, to hackers and identity theft, you must constantly be on your guard to protect your treasures. The bigger the treasure the more you have to worry about it.

Jesus said its almost impossible for a rich man to make it to Heaven and its like a loaded camel getting through the eye of the needle. The eye of the needle was one of the ancient gates traders used to bring their goods into Jerusalem. It was too narrow for a fully laden camel to get through. It had to be unloaded outside the gate and its load transported by carts.

When we die we cannot take our wealth with us. We leave this world with nothing and we cannot buy our way into Heaven. Our wealth, bank account, university degrees, trophy cupboard, political status, royal or common, even our charitable gifts and generous humanitarianism count for nothing in Heaven.

1 Corinthians 13 v 1 - 3: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."

In King James' time the word charity was used for the love of God.  Today it means giving to the poor and numerous charities exist to help us do that.  In the above verses, however, if we are not doing all these things out of a heart of love, then in God's eyes they are worthless.

The only way to make it count in Heaven while down here is to be a born again Christian who is actively serving God. The more you do for others without fanfare and acclamation the more your Heavenly bank account grows. This is eternal wealth that is truly safe. The way you use wealth to extend the Kingdom of God is your true treasure that brings eternal rewards.

The Lord has no problem with you having riches as long as the riches don't have you. Does your wealthy status determine your spirituality? Do you think it earns you a place in Heaven? Does it make you proud and harsh with lesser mortals? For the Lord watches over all. 

Like those camels at the eye of the needle we need to offload the burden of wealth by using it under God's guidance and wisdom.  Our God can do anything and nothing is too difficult for Him. If we are obedient and submitted to His will He uses us to meet the needs of others freely. Without charge. These free gifts from Him bring Heavenly wealth to us that He may be glorified. 

So don't make an idol out of your wealth and possessions just use them wisely as Jesus directs. He will bless you a hundredfold on this Earth and throughout eternity in Heaven. If He is watching over you and yours there is no greater safety.

Psalm 127 v 1: "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."

Jesus watches over us and He is our only real protector.  When we are in Heaven one day we will be astonished at how many times He prevented evil from touching us.  He is our real treasure.  Our hearts are with Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for watching over Your children and their possessions. Please help us to use Godly wisdom in how we handle our wealth. Let us give to those in need as You direct us Lord, not grudgingly but joyfully to Your glory. In Jesus' name.  Amen.