“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
Scripture Notes
The human mind has significant limitations. We hear the word treasure and immediately think of wealth, money, or property. Some might even think of items with sentimental value. Yet none of these is the treasure Christ refers to. We are not told that wealth is bad or that possessions are inherently evil. However, when we value the temporal things of this world and lose sight of eternal life with Christ, that is when we need realignment.
There is a comparison here between treasure on earth and treasure in heaven. We have to recognize that everything on this earth can be destroyed. Nothing is safe or secure. But in heaven, we are secure and have life. Then, where do people get lost if true treasure is so simple? What happens is that we use wealth for self-gratification, or we have more faith in our wealth than in God. We step out of our humility and invade a Godly space, deciding that we know more about our finances and gifts than the Lord does. We are not called to be poor or rich; we are to be good stewards of whatever we possess. That means having the right understanding that anything we touch or use should bring God glory, not ourselves.
Some are stewards over much, and some over little; the amount does not matter. What matters is the testimony of each person’s heart. Someone can be cruel and stingy with no money or with great wealth. A person can be generous and honest with no net worth or with a large net worth. Regardless of what society, government, or laws tell us, we have the Law and the Prophets, as well as the living example of Christ’s servitude, to guide us. Our society would change mightily if believers were more in tune with God’s word and the gospel rather than with tax incentives, loopholes, or shortcuts. What is our testimony if money and the economy are our guide rather than scripture?
We must also keep in mind that giving away our wealth is not transactional. It is not a system of giving this and getting that in heaven. It is disingenuous to be so formulaic. What is happening in our hearts matters more. Just as with salvation, we cannot earn heavenly credit by giving away any specific amount of money. What we mark on taxes has no credibility with God. What we should focus on is building a closer connection with the Lord. When we grow closer to Christ by tearing off the shackles of money, power, and superiority and enter into a space of humility, generosity, and faith outside of ourselves, that realignment occurs. We no longer find great value in the things of this world, but instead long to fulfill what brings joy to the Lord.
What is evident among believers and non-believers is not what is said or promised; it is what people do that determines who they are and where their hearts truly lie. We cannot store up treasure in heaven and on earth at the same time. Nor can we have two masters (Luke 16:13). Materialism is in complete conflict with following Christ. In a culture where consumerism and having lots of stuff are essential, it is even more essential for believers to shift away from this practice. We cannot serve God and prioritize our wealth (Matthew 6:24). We have to choose, and instead of being tricked, we are given grace. Scripture is full of reminders that realigning our priorities with God has everlasting results.
MEMORY VERse
Auguste Hervier. Harbor Scene with Boats and Castle, c. 1800s. The Cleveland Museum of Art
Related Verses
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Prayer Invitation
Application Questions
- How do you utilize your time, money, and energy? Are you more focused on earthly ease or on eternal impressions?
- What are the “treasures” in your life that are vulnerable to theft or decay? How would changing what you value affect your life and bring about greater peace?
- How would you define a “master” in modern terms, and how does that compete with your devotion and attention to God?
- What changes could you make to give and share more cheerfully and sacrificially to the Lord? What stops you from being more consistent?
- Are you viewing the things you own as your property, or are you viewing what you possess with a steward’s heart? How can you better act with stewardship of your time, energy, and money?
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