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
A Biblical Perspective
The idea of storing up treasures in heaven is a profound and timeless concept found in the Bible. It is a call to prioritize eternal values over temporal wealth and possessions. This teaching encourages a perspective that transcends earthly pursuits and places an emphasis on the treasures of the soul. Let’s delve into this biblical concept and understand its meaning through key verses and illustrations.
1. Matthew 6:19–21 — 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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
These verses from the Sermon on the Mount provide the foundation for the concept of storing up treasures in heaven. Jesus advises against an obsession with accumulating earthly wealth, which is vulnerable to decay and theft. Instead, He urges His followers to invest in heavenly treasures, where their hearts will find their true home.
2. The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16–21): In this parable, a wealthy man plans to store his abundant harvest in bigger barns, but God calls him a fool. The man’s earthly wealth cannot protect him from death. Jesus warns that laying up treasures for oneself but being “not rich toward God” is a wasted pursuit. This illustrates the folly of prioritizing material wealth over spiritual riches.
3. The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41–44): Jesus observed a poor widow contributing two small coins to the temple treasury. He commends her act, saying that she has given more than all the wealthy donors because she gave out of her poverty. This story illustrates the principle that heavenly treasures are not measured by the amount given but by the heart’s sincerity and sacrifice.
4. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30): In this parable, a master entrusts his servants with talents (a form of currency) before going on a journey. Two servants invest and double their talents, but one buries his out of fear. The master rewards the faithful servants and rebukes the one who buried his talent. This parable emphasizes the importance of using God-given gifts and resources for His kingdom rather than hiding them out of fear.
5. The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17–27): A rich young man asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. The man is saddened because he is very wealthy. Jesus remarks that it is difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, as they may find it challenging to detach from earthly treasures. This story underscores the potential hindrance of material wealth to one’s spiritual journey.
6. Acts of Charity and Kindness (Matthew 25:35–36): In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus commends those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, and visited the sick and imprisoned. He identifies these acts of charity and kindness as investments in His kingdom, emphasizing that what is done for the least of these is done for Him.
7. Hebrews 13:16 — Doing Good and Sharing: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” This verse highlights the concept of storing up treasures in heaven through acts of kindness, generosity, and selflessness.
The notion of storing up treasures in heaven invites individuals to reevaluate their priorities, recognizing that the pursuit of material wealth, while not inherently wrong, must not overshadow the pursuit of eternal values. It encourages a mindset of selflessness, service, and generosity, which align with God’s kingdom.
Ultimately, treasures in heaven represent the spiritual and eternal impact of one’s life. They are not subject to the decay and theft that affect earthly possessions. By investing in faith, love, compassion, service, and the well-being of others, individuals can store up treasures that will have lasting significance and reflect their devotion to God and His kingdom.
