Fifteen percent of Jesus’ teachings relate to money and possessions. That’s more than His teachings on Heaven and Hell together! Why was it so important to talk about finances?
Jesus is referring to the difference between earthly treasures and Heavenly treasures. In society today, we put so much emphasis on stuff. We’ve got to have a nice house, fast cars, jewelry, clothes, and the latest technology available.
“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 6:19-21
This is my take on Jon Porter’s sermon this morning based on the scriptures above and Matt 13:44. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
If we miss the “in his joy” part of that passage, we miss the message all together. This man was willing to give up all that he had for something better that he had to wait for. But we are often in such a hurry to have something that will offer us happiness in the moment, not considering the long term.
So, we need to invest in things that are eternal and heavenly instead of just more stuff, treasures on earth. We are commanded to store up treasures. But we tend to store them in the wrong places. On earth, there are limited treasures available. We gain at the expense of others. It’s not like that with heavenly treasures. There are infinite treasures available from God.
So, how do we store up treasures in heaven? By serving God and others around us. Present joy comes from anticipating future joy. The first treasure is Jesus. By choosing Him, you have joy in the peace that you are storing treasures in heaven. Invest in what has lasting value. You can’t take it with you, so invest in things that matter.
When I think about all of the stuff we have, I know none of it matters. In fact, our daughters want us to get rid of it so they don’t have to. We both tend to hold on to things from the past that have sentimental value. But when we’re gone, most our stuff will probably just get pitched. But knowing that Jesus is my Savior and investing in my relationship with Him is where I want to store up treasures. Investing in things that really matter.
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 