Our Treasure Lies In Heaven

Recently, a man in Austria was turning dirt in his backyard when he stumbled onto buried treasure — hundreds of pieces of centuries-old jewelry and other precious objects that Austrian authorities described as a fairy-tale find.

Austria’s department in charge of national antiquities said the trove consists of more than 200 rings, brooches, ornate belt buckles, gold-plated silver plates and other pieces or fragments, many encrusted with pearls, fossilized coral and other ornaments. It says the objects are about 650 years old and are being evaluated for their provenance and worth.

While not assigning a monetary value to the buried bling, the enthusiastic language from the normally staid Federal Office for Memorials reflected the significance it attached to the discovery.

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus commands us to lay up treasure not on earth, but in heaven. Not that it is wrong to have earthly treasures per se, but our focus should be on laying up treasure in heaven. Some may find this hard to do, but there are some good reasons.

For example, in Ec. 5:10-16 Solomon described the problem with earthly treasures: money and abundance do not truly satisfy; the abundance of the rich prevent good sleep, and often hurts the owner and; riches perish through misfortune, and cannot be taken with us when we die.

Still having a hard time accepting reasons to lay up treasure in heaven and why treasure on earth is insecure? The Bible tells us:
1. Moth and rust destroy (material things are perishable)
2. Thieves break in and steal (material things are subject to theft)
3. There is also loss due to inflation, stock devaluation, bankruptcies, faulty investments, etc.

God assures us that treasure in heaven is secure. He tells us: "Neither moth nor rust destroys (our treasures are imperishable) -cf. 1 Peter 1:3-4; Thieves can not break in and steal (our treasures are securely guarded) - cf. 1 Peter 3:4-5. What earthly bank, or federal institution can guarantee that with 100% certainty?

Okay...so how do we begin to lay up treasure in heaven? Let me suggest starting with giving to the poor. Jesus connected giving to the poor with laying up treasure on two occasions. First, to His disciples (Luke 12:32-33). Then, to a rich ruler (Luke 18:18-27). Paul also connected sharing one's wealth with laying up treasure in heaven (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Always keep in mind that "eternal" life cannot be purchased. Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9 ; Titus 3:5). We are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). And, as children of God we are joint-heirs with Christ; recipients of every spiritual blessing in Christ (Romans 8:16-17; Ephesians 1:3).

Have you given much thought as to how you can be rich in good works,ready to give, willing to share? Store up a good foundation for the time to come, and lay hold on eternal life...!

Scripture: Isaiah 33:6; Luke 12:34; Matthew 19:21; John 14:3; Matthew 6:31-33; Colossians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 4:7.

Let's Pray:

I pray for the poor, hungry and homeless people around the world. I can't even imagine what that would be like, for I am blessed with more than enough. Thank-you. May we be directed to those in need to help them in anyway we can. Help us to love like you do and spread your Words so that one day the whole world will know the truth and give you all the honor and glory that you deserve. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

May God bless you always,

Charlene