TREASURE IS SECURE IN HEAVEN

Don’t store up treasures here on earth,
where moths eat them and rust destroys them,
and where thieves break in and steal.
Store your treasures in heaven,
where moths and rust cannot destroy,
and thieves do not break in and steal.
Wherever your treasure is,
there the desires of your heart will also be.
Matthew 6:19-21 NLT

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What has been happening with the economy lately is sending shock waves around the world. We thought we had planned well for the “golden years,” now we are not so sure. Most everyone with any kind of retirement plan has seen their “nest egg” painfully shrink. Moths and rust are doing their destructive work, and thieves are stealing what we have been counting on. Worry is a natural reaction.

In the last few decades many people have been able to live “lavishly” (a relative term – seldom do we see ourselves as living lavishly). At the same time many people have stored up treasure on earth way beyond what they would normally need. Saving and planning for our future needs is the right thing to do. However, it is important to realize “where our treasure is, there the desires of our hearts will also be.” Nothing we store up here on earth, or spend on ourselves, will end up as heavenly treasure.

Jesus asks, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? . . . Don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Luke 12:25,26,29-33 NLT

Paul says, “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future.” I Timothy 6:17-19 NLT

It may seem untimely to be talking about helping the poor when our savings are shrinking daily. But it may be just what we need to conquer our self-pity and add to our heavenly treasure at the same time. After all, Jesus told us “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 NLT

Let’s Pray-
Oh Father, we have been so self-centered. The desires of our hearts have been so earth bound. Please forgive us! Help us to store up treasure in heaven by sharing our earthly treasure with the poor and needy. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen

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