How do you build treasures in heaven?

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“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20).

In Matthew 6:19–34, Jesus discusses the orientation toward life that is to characterize the family of God. We need to bear in mind that Jesus is providing us with aphorisms that address our attitudes. He is not contradicting other passages of His Word where we are told to be careful in our use of possessions.

He says that treasures laid up on earth do not last. Precious garments of wool can be destroyed by moths, and implements of iron can rust. It makes no sense to invest our love and attention on such things, though we may enjoy them and make use of them. We must focus our attention on good works that please God, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (v. 21).

He goes on to say that we cannot serve two masters. Certainly we can serve two people, indeed many people, but we cannot serve two masters that make total claim on our lives. As we seek to please one of the masters, we will begin to neglect the other, eventually despising him. “You cannot serve both God and Money” (v. 24).

Jesus realizes the difficulty of His own teaching. When our lives feel threatened and we don’t know how we shall be able to provide for our loved ones, we become anxious. This can cause us to take our eyes off the Father and refocus our attention on money as a means of getting security. Jesus deals with this directly in verses 25 and following: “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”

He assures us, “Your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” He will provide what we need, and more. “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” We are to plan for the future, and be wise in our use of money, but we are to leave the worrying to Him. Is worry one of your problems today? Are you in a financial crunch that threatens your family? Know that your heavenly Father is aware of your need and is sufficient to meet it. Ask God to keep you straight in your priorities as you go through difficult times.

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