Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” rather than earthly treasures that can be destroyed or stolen.
But what did Christ mean by this?
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Understanding Jesus’ Words
When Jesus talks about storing up treasures in heaven, He’s encouraging us to focus on what has lasting, eternal value, rather than becoming too attached to earthly possessions that won’t last and can be easily lost.
Earthly treasures can be many things: money, status, power, or even the latest gadgets. These are the things people often chase after, thinking they’ll bring happiness or security. But Jesus reminds us that these can fade away, be stolen, or lose their value over time.
Here, it’s key to understand that owning material things isn’t wrong in and of itself. In fact, many faithful people in the Bible, like Abraham and Job, were blessed with wealth. But the problem comes when these possessions take control of our hearts and become our main focus in life. In this sense, Jesus is warning us not to let material things take priority over our relationship with God and His purpose for our lives.
Instead, Jesus wants us to focus on what truly matters—things that please God, like loving others, showing kindness, being generous, and growing in faith. These “heavenly treasures” can’t be lost or destroyed; they have eternal value and meaning that far outlast any material possession.
Paul echoes this in Colossians 3:2, where he tells us to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” He also encourages us to show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12), which reflect the values that matter to God.
In simple terms, Paul is giving us practical ways to store up treasures in heaven. By growing in godly character and actions, we’re investing in things that have lasting value far beyond our time on Earth. This fits perfectly with what Jesus meant.
What This Means for Christians Today
As Christians today, storing up treasures in heaven means devoting our lives to be aligned with God’s heart. Here are some practical ways to do this:
- Be generous with your time and money to help others.
- Aim to forgive people who hurt you, even when it’s hard.
- Share your faith with others and help them know Jesus.
- Use your gifts and talents to serve others, whether in your church, with loved ones, or in your wider community.
- Spend time reading your Bible and praying to get closer to God.
- Show love and kindness to everyone, even those who are different from you.
Remember, it’s not about earning God’s love—we already have that, thanks to Jesus. Rather, it’s about living in a way that shows we value what God values. When we focus on these “treasures,” our hearts naturally turn towards heaven, as Paul talks about.
So, the next time you’re tempted to focus on getting more material stuff or chasing after worldly things, pause and ask yourself: “Is this storing up treasure in heaven?” By focusing on what truly matters to God, we’ll build a life that has lasting value—both now and in eternity.
Enjoyed this post? Check out our other devotionals or watch our anime Bible videos on YouTube.
