The Treasure of God

“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 

          The things of this world are temporal; nothing lasts forever. Our televisions die … our clothes become threadbare … cars eventually cease to function. Every material thing is subject to decay or loss, deteriorating over time. Only that which is related to God or is done for Him will last the test of time. We store up material things thinking they are what we want; things we believe will bring true satisfaction and fulfillment, but these things can do nothing for us in the end. They are nothing more than ‘stuff’, the baggage of life. There is nothing wrong with ‘stuff’ in and of itself; however, if we store these items as treasures, we will be sorely disappointed when they are lost to the elements as all material things inevitably do.           

What are the treasures of heaven? These treasures are the things that money can’t buy. They come from our allegiance to God; a total reliance on Him. As a result, we accumulate those things which we cannot put our hands on - peace, joy, comfort, fulfillment, hope. As we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, we find that the things of this world begin to mean less to us then they once did. Our hearts will begin to turn towards the things of God rather than the things of this world. We will begin to see things differently; we will see them with spiritual eyes. 

          Am I saying it is wrong to acquire material possessions? No. What I am saying and what I believe our Lord is saying is that we need to understand what these things actually are and not place too much stock in them. They are either material necessities or simply things we desire. They are there for our entertainment or enjoyment, nothing more. Only God can fulfill the deep need we have for the thing’s money could never buy. Only God can provide the peace we seek and the hope we crave. There is nothing this side of heaven that will ever replicate what our God can freely offer us. There is no forgiveness found in the things we acquire. Whatever the world has to offer is nothing more than a cheap imitation of the real thing. Those things that define your treasure speak loudly of where your hearts allegiance lies. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries