Scripture
19 “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.
Reflection
Today’s verse focuses on Jesus’ perspective on treasures. Jesus warns against accumulating money and possessions on earth. Instead, believers should store up treasures in heaven.
Money and possessions are not things we can put our trust in, they are not reliable. They can easily be lost. Clothing and other fabric can be eaten by moths, crops or livestock can be destroyed by vermin. Metal objects rust. Thieves skillfully identify the wealthy and break into homes to steal their goods. Disaster and chaos can take every material possession we have in an instant.
However, treasures stored up in heaven are secured, they cannot be destroyed and will last forever.
In addition, focusing on just accumulating worldly treasures can bring us into greed or materialism.
As with preceding teachings in chapter 6, the focus is our hearts and our motivations. This does not mean Christians should never have any money, or own property, or that they cannot have a bank account. Paul teaches that believers must provide for their families (1 Timothy 5:8). Wealth is like any other blessing from God (1 Timothy 4:4) and can be used according to His purposes.
Our treasure on earth should be used to store up treasures in heaven, we should use our treasures on earth to invest in the kingdom of God, to give to the needy and to glorify God.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
When challenges come we can so easily forget where our identity comes from. Today take time to pause and be reminded of God’s love for you.
