“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 NIV
There are two different places where I can store my treasure. The first could be a bank, the stock market, or a shoebox under my bed. The second location my treasure can be stored is in heaven. As with the first, there is always a danger that my treasure might be lost. It could be stolen, spent, or, depending on what it is, simply decay. There is no danger of any of that when the second location is used. And, the treasure I store in heaven will last for eternity. Unlike what I have in the bank or stock market. Even if that investment endures throughout my time on earth, I will leave it behind. It is temporary, unlike the eternal treasure stored above.
Storing Treasure Above
So how do I store up treasure in heaven? Western Union doesn’t service that location. And I don’t see any branch offices where I can make a deposit. Or do I? In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus tells us a parable of sheep and goats. It is a parable of judgment at the end of the age. The sheep are rewarded for what they did for Jesus, and the goats are punished for what they did not do for him. When the sheep ask when they did those things, Jesus responded that “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40). Every time I give to those in need. Or care for those who are hurting. Or show love and mercy. I am doing it for Christ. And it is a treasure that I have put on deposit in heaven.
