March 07, 2022: Where Does Our Treasures Lie? Are They Being Laid Up Here on Earth or In Heaven?

In reading the message on March 04th, in "Our Daily Bread" entitled "Unshakable Faith", I was reminded of where our treasure is being kept as God's children. Are we laying up all our treasure here on earth for ourselves, or are we focused more on doing God's work here on earth so that our treasures in heaven are greatly multiplied?

The Question is this: Is the majority of what we are doing here on earth for the kingdom of God or are we doing everything for our own selfish gain? That is a hard question to answer. I had to examine my own heart to find where my true allegiance lies. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus, himself, exhorts us not to lay up treasures here on earth thieves can break in and steal.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Jesus didn't say we couldn't own a home or buy a car or save for the future or have numerous possessions. But He urged us to examine the focus of our hearts. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

What we value is reflected in how we live and what we cherish exposes our hearts. Again, in Matthew chapter 6, Jesus also states the following:

Matthew: 6: 24 (NIV)

"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money".

"Treasures in heaven" (v. 20) most likely refers to spiritual wealth as stated by our Lord in chapter six of Matthew. So how do we lay up treasures for ourselves in heaven? As stated by bible commentator, Craig Blomberg, "The compassionate use of material resources to meet others' physical and spiritual needs". Are we doing all we can to help people with their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs?

PERSONNAL COMMENT:

I find it very hard, in my own life, to put away my selfish wants and needs and put others first before me. But it is only through our "absolute surrender" to God are we able to allow Him to guide us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to people who are in need spiritually and materially. God will provide for us as we provide for others.