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 6:21-22).
One’s attitude toward wealth (money) is a sure measurement of his focus, whether it is on things earthly or heavenly. There is no credible argument against this truth. Jesus tells us, “if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:11). Every believer who has been blessed with great means will one day be required to give an account of his stewardship. Although one may have amassed a great fortune on earth, his true investment is in heaven. Our focus should be in heaven because our Father is in heaven, and our Savior and Lord is in heaven! For every spiritual blessing is ours in heavenly places in Christ, the true treasure! Scripture has made these truths very plain!
Our focus while on earth must be in heaven where Christ is seated in victory! The earth is the believer’s proving ground, our work area. On earth, investments have enemies, moths, rusts, and thieves. In heaven, we have none of these, and there is no fear of loss! While we invest on earth, let us not forget to make our major investments in heaven. That is, invest in the things of God down here. Find good soil, plant in it, and look to God for an abundant return on your investment. Jesus gives us a way to invest in heaven when He says, “if you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21). Is giving to the poor an investment? Christ says, “yes”! Wow!
He also says, “do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 19:32-34).
Pastor Don