PRIORITIZING ETERNAL RICHES
NOVEMBER 18, 2024
TEXT:
Matthew 6:19-21
“19. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal:
20. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in nor steal.
21. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The word “treasure” refers to anything valuable, precious, and dear to a person’s heart. Treasure is anything that gives you joy and excitement. We have both earthly and eternal treasures.
EARTHLY AND ETERNAL TREASURES
Earthly treasures refer to worldly pleasures that we strive hard to achieve, albeit with little or no benefit to one’s soul. This does not change the fact that they are quite good and profitable to a person. Eternal treasures, on the other hand, refer to kingdom and heavenly-based benefits stored up as heavenly rewards for doing the will of the Father and satisfying divine ordinances.
KEY FACTS ABOUT TREASURES
- Earthly treasures are usually temporary in nature, giving only temporary joy and satisfaction. Eternal treasures, however, give everlasting and long-lasting joy.
- Storing your treasures in heaven guarantees that you will constantly work towards securing them. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will also be.
HOW CAN WE ACTIVELY STORE UP TREASURES IN HEAVEN?
- We can store up treasures through generosity. Be kind to all around you, regardless of how you feel towards them. Every act of generosity exhibited towards others counts significantly in the kingdom. (Luke 12:33)
- Treasures can be stored up through evangelism. Every act of telling someone about God and His kingdom boosts one’s treasures in heaven. (Matthew 28:18-20)
- Obedience is another act that can help us gather treasures in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)
- Faithfulness to God in all circumstances (good or bad) guarantees heavenly treasures. (Revelation 2:10)
CONSEQUENCES OF EXCESSIVE FOCUS ON EARTHLY TREASURES
- Too much focus and attention on earthly treasures may lead to idolatry. We unconsciously start devoting our whole attention to worldly things that are not significant to our spiritual growth.
- Anxiety is another negative result of earthly treasures. One will always be anxious about different things, and there will hardly be peace of mind. (Matthew 6:25-34)
- Covetousness can also result from excessive focus on earthly treasures. One will never be satisfied, unlike heavenly treasures, where one is at peace about God being in charge. (Exodus 20:17)
SEARCHLIGHT: While we acknowledge the importance of earthly treasures in making our lives comfortable, they should never replace heavenly treasures, which are ultimately more beneficial in the long run.
PRAYER: O Lord, help me focus on building up my heavenly treasures, in Jesus’ mighty name.
BIBLE READING: Micah 6, 7, Nahum 1, Luke 2
PST. MICHAEL OMOLE
