Lasting Treasures
“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
It’s a simple concept: treasures that wear out and decay or can be stolen or lost aren’t as valuable as treasures that last forever. At the very best the treasures on earth will only last for the few short years on this earth. As you know, “You can’t take it with you.” We know that to be true, but the things we see have a much greater attraction than the things we can’t see. So we tend to gather treasures that wear out rather than the intangible treasures of heaven.
Jesus speaks about this distinction often to drive home the point. He tells us not to worry about what we eat or drink or what we will wear. Rather seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:25-34) God does truly give all these earthly things in abundance. Jesus spoke of a man to whom God gave abundant crops that he stored up, but instead of trusting in God who gave them, he trusted in the riches themselves. Jesus called him a fool for he was not rich toward God. (Luke 12:16-21) Similarly, He told of a rich man who enjoyed all the pleasures this world can give, but had no compassion on the poor man named Lazarus. He soon found himself in agony in hell forever. The treasures on earth are like a mirage, they appear beautiful, but in the end they leave you empty handed.
This week we will consider some of the real, lasting treasures that will never fail us. They are all treasures that God gives freely.
Gracious Father, may we truly desire and pursue the eternal gifts you give and treasure them in our heart. For where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Amen.