Storing up Treasures in Heaven: Investing in Eternity
Discover the true treasure of life and how to store up treasures in heaven. Prioritize your relationship with God and live a life of obedience to His commands.
As we go through life, it is important to ask ourselves, "where is my treasure?" Is it in material possessions, career success, or perhaps in relationships? In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus tells us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."This passage reminds us that our earthly possessions are fleeting and temporary, and that our true treasure should be in the things that matter eternally. Let us delve deeper into this topic and explore what it means to store up treasures in heaven.
What Are Treasures in Heaven?
Treasures in heaven refer to the rewards and blessings that await us in the afterlife. These are not material possessions that we can accumulate on earth, but rather, they are the fruits of a life lived in obedience to God's commands.
Some examples of treasures in heaven include:
1. Eternal life - John 3:16 tells us that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life.
2. Heavenly crowns - 2 Timothy 4:8 speaks of the crown of righteousness that awaits those who have lived a life pleasing to God.
3. Heavenly treasures - Matthew 19:21 tells us that if we sell our possessions and give to the poor, we will have treasures in heaven.
4. Joy and peace - In Philippians 4:7, we are promised that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Why Should We Store Up Treasures in Heaven?
As mentioned earlier, our earthly possessions are temporary and can be taken away from us at any moment. Our true treasure should be in the things that matter eternally, such as our relationship with God and our obedience to His commands.
Jesus warns us against storing up treasures on earth because they can distract us from our true purpose in life, which is to serve and glorify God. When we focus solely on accumulating wealth, we neglect the needs of others and become self-centered.
On the other hand, when we store up treasures in heaven, we are investing in our eternal future. We are showing God that we trust in Him and that we are willing to obey His commands, even if it means sacrificing our earthly possessions.
How Can We Store Up Treasures in Heaven?
1. Seek first the kingdom of God - In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to us as well. When we prioritize our relationship with God, we are storing up treasures in heaven.
2. Serve others - In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus tells us that when we serve others, we are serving Him. When we help those in need, we are storing up treasures in heaven.
3. Give generously - In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, we are told that God loves a cheerful giver. When we give generously to those in need and to support the work of God's kingdom, we are storing up treasures in heaven.
4. Live a life of obedience - In John 14:15, Jesus tells us that if we love Him, we will obey His commands. When we live a life of obedience to God's Word, we are storing up treasures in heaven.
Conclusion
As we go through life, it is important to remember that our true treasure should be in the things that matter eternally. We must prioritize our relationship with God and our obedience to His commands, and seek to serve others and give generously. When we do this, we are storing up treasures in heaven that will last for eternity.
FAQs
1. Can we have earthly possessions and still store up treasures in heaven?
Yes, we can have earthly possessions, but we must not allow them to distract us from our true purpose in life, which is to serve and glorify God. We must be willing to use our resources to help others and support the work of God's kingdom.
2. How do we know if we are storing up treasures in heaven?
We know that we are storing up treasures in heaven when we prioritize our relationship with God, serve others, give generously, and live a life of obedience to His Word.
3. Is it wrong to enjoy the blessings that God has given us on earth?
No, it is not wrong to enjoy the blessings that God has given us on earth. However, we must not allow our enjoyment of these blessings to overshadow our commitment to God and His kingdom.
4. What are some practical ways to store up treasures in heaven?
Some practical ways to store up treasures in heaven include serving others, giving generously, sharing the gospel with others, and living a life of obedience to God's Word.
5. How can we overcome the temptation to store up treasures on earth?
We can overcome the temptation to store up treasures on earth by prioritizing our relationship with God, seeking His kingdom and righteousness first, and trusting in His provision for our needs. We must also be willing to let go of our earthly possessions if they are hindering our relationship with God.
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