As a human, we love to store up the things that mean so much to us or we love to make a collection of things. It could be children photos in their young age or favorite moments with loved ones or money in the bank or it could be some sort of collections like stickers and seashells etc. But when we think about storing up treasure in heaven, we do not know how it is done. Is it that hard? No, it is not.
Jesus says “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).
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Here Jesus talks about two treasures 1. The earthly treasure that can be destroyed by moths and vermin or thieves can steal it; 2. The heavenly treasure that is eternal, imperishable and nobody can steal it. God wants us to focus on the things that are above, therefore Paul says “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).
When we actually try to focus on heavenly things, all earthly matters seem less and unvalued and that is what God wants us to do. He wants our hearts to desire heavenly reward and focus above. Remember Jesus said at the end of the command “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”.
Should we not have earthly possession?
Yes, of course, we can have earthly possession. In fact, Jesus knows we need earthly things in order to live and fulfill His purpose. However, He does not want us to be greedy for money or possessions and forget our calling and wander away from God. Therefore, Paul says to Timothy “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs”(1 Timothy 6: 10).
The Bible says “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). So let us guard our hearts that we may not fall in a trap where we seek for our glory. As a faithful child of God, let us serve God and fulfill His will, by doing so, we store up treasure in heaven.
Investing in the Kingdom
Today, whatever a person has or anything that he will own, will eventually be taken from him. Everything is temporary here on this planet; however, we can use temporary earthly material to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to people all around the world so that they too can be a part of the eternal kingdom of God.
People mostly think about their future, old age, years of retirement and then start to store up wealth. There is nothing wrong with that, but, we must not trust in wealth above our supreme provider (God) or be a slave of mammon.
Jesus says “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9). Jesus wants His children to use money or other material possessions to bring people into His eternal light. So that when we die or are taken to heaven by Christ at the rapture; those who we won through worldly mammon, welcome us into eternal dwellings.
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Money can be used for Christian Radio programs, the Bibles, tracts, or any other Christian literature; Supporting Christian missionaries and other Christian workers. By doing this, we store up treasures in heaven and those who are saved through the money that was used will welcome us.
Aside from supporting the work of God through money, a treasure in heaven can also be stored up by the souls brought into the kingdom of God through sharing the gospel directly and bringing people to the Lord. A soul here on earth brought into the kingdom of God is worth so much in heaven. Everyone in which we share the gospel with and bring to the Lord who makes it into heaven, we will get the reward for that. There is actually a crown, which will be given to those who lead many people to the Lord, called the crown of rejoicing and it is commonly known as “the soul winners crown”.
Conclusion
There is a sure reward for every person who does the will of God. God sees everything, even a small act of service does not go unnoticed by God. “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). Let us do everything that will glorify the name of our Savior Jesus Christ with whole hearts.
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