“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up … but store up” may be rephrased as “Do not give priority to this, but give priority to that.” This passage does not mean that it is sinful to have such assets as insurance, retirement plans, and savings accounts. After all, parents are to save for their children (Proverbs 13:22; 2 Corinthians 12:14).
“For yourself” makes it clear that the desire for reward in the kingdom is not sinful. The contrast is between the now and then. We cannot have it both here and there. We cannot take it with us, but we can invest it now in the future.
Obviously, the attention of the believer is directed toward “treasures in heaven”. The term “treasures” implies the addition or accumulation of things. The two kinds of treasures are conditioned by their place (either upon earth or in heaven). The concept of laying up treasure in heaven cannot be pictured as one of meritorious benefits, but rather of rewards for faithful service, as is illustrated elsewhere in the teaching of Jesus. Our lives will either be earthly or heavenly slanted and the concentration of our efforts will reveal where our real treasure is.
I suspect people everywhere are prone to collecting earthly treasures. Yet, only heavenly treasures are eternal. As believers, God calls us to be generous with our possessions and to serve God as our master rather than live as slaves to possessions. For our sake, Christ became the servant of all – to save all – by bearing all of our sins and granting us eternal forgiveness … now, that is a real treasure!
God’s blessings on your day…