Gathering Treasures in Heaven

Gathering Treasures in Heaven

“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.” Matt. 6:19-20.

Jesus points out the futility of gathering treasures on earth. First of all, everything here on earth is perishable, and secondly, it binds the heart to the earth and is an obstacle to salvation. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt. 6:21.

You have to have enlightened eyes of the heart so you can understand what true riches are. Eph. 1:18. A child will take a five-penny coin before a fifty-penny coin because it is larger. This is how many believers seek everything they can get of honor and power here on earth. They do not realize that everything should be sacrificed in order to, as the Word says, receive treasures in heaven and possess them for all eternity in righteousness.

The rich young man had kept all the commandments. He was God-fearing, and Jesus loved him. But his love of his fortune bound him to the earth. Therefore he was commanded by Jesus to sell what he owned and give it to the poor, and then he would have treasures in heaven.

He loved his fortune more than Jesus’ commandment. He knew what he possessed, but he did not believe Jesus’ word that he would receive a treasure in heaven. He did not understand that by holding on to his possessions and advantages, the day would come when he would have no treasure at all. On that day he would be left with only regret that he had not sacrificed everything at Jesus’ word. Was it strange that he went away sorrowful?

Such young men also go away sorrowful in our days, seeking to allay their sorrow by gathering treasures on earth. Big titles, esteem, large assemblies, and similar things are sought after. Their entire life is spent in this human pursuit of being great, the best, the first, and the greatest.

When one day all this glory withers as the flower of the field, they will be left with Esau’s remorse without any possibility of correcting the matter.

Presenting yourself to God as a living, holy sacrifice that is pleasing to God, and remaining in that state, gives you a treasure in heaven.

Jesus also speaks about losing your reward. “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Matt. 6:1. It is vital to find the way of sacrifice and walk on it. Then we have our reward safely waiting for us in heaven.