Earthly and Heavenly Treasures

Matthew 6:19–24

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God.
Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes,
and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
Hebrews 4:13

Our earthly treasure is not difficult to identify. It would include anything that is tangible and has a price tag. We can see it, touch it, measure it, and enjoy it.

Our heavenly treasure would include the invisible, intangible, priceless possessions that belong to anyone who is numbered among God’s forever family. The former, according to the Master, can corrode, age, deteriorate, and be ripped off. For the latter, however, none of that is true.

Exactly what is it He is prohibiting when He says, “Do not lay up . . .” (Matthew 6:19 ESV)? Possessions in and of themselves? No. Scripture does not condemn owning possessions. How about planning for the future? Is Jesus telling us not to buy insurance and not to face the future with some sort of strategy? No. Well, then, is our Lord condemning the enjoyment of things we own, even nice things? Again, no.

In spite of all you may have heard or believed, none of the above is the point Jesus is making. Matter of fact, we are distinctly told that God gives us “all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17). Yes, enjoy.

What, then, is Jesus denouncing? Namely this: the selfish accumulation of tangible treasure to the point where enough is never enough . . . extravagant living to the exclusion of others in need. More specifically, it’s setting our hearts on earthly things so much so that we don’t own them, they own us. How easy, in our materialist age, to be “lured into a lesser loyalty” by fixing our attention on things that have price tags.

This is a perfect moment to stop for a quick self-analysis. In light of what we have just read, can you honestly say that your heart is not fixed on tangible treasures? Is your giving generous? Do you readily help others, even as you enjoy God’s gracious provisions? Are you genuinely unselfish, open-handed, great-hearted, free from materialistic addictions? Selfishness evidences itself in the materialist who always wants more and in the miser who hoards needlessly.