Treasure In Heaven

Evil people get rich for the moment,but the reward of the godly will last.

Proverbs 11:18

So much has happened in our economy over the last few years. The fortunes of some have been lost. This seems like a really good time to rethink the definition of rich. What is rich? You’ve probably heard the famous statement of John D. Rockefeller. When asked, “How much money is enough?” he said, “Just a little bit more.”

Frank Herbert once said, “Wealth is a tool of freedom, but the pursuit of wealth is the way to slavery.” So how do we balance this? Princess Diana had her own version. She said, “They say it is better to be poor and happy than rich and miserable, but how about a compromise like moderately rich and just a little moody?” Nice try, Princess Di, but no cigar.

I think Henry Ward Beecher said it much better. He said, “No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man [or woman] rich. He is rich or poor according to what he is, not according to what he has.” Now this is the real deal. It is not what you have inside the bank, it’s what is inside of you.

But of course, Jesus said it best of all. He said, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:20-21, NKJV). Confirming our proverb, “the reward of the godly will last.”

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

How do you store treasure in heaven? Is it the money you give to the church or charity? It can be. But it is also more personal and dynamic than that. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus explained that he values little things, like visiting someone who is sick. Let me connect this topic to the concept of “walking in the Spirit.” When we are in tune with the Spirit of God, he will direct in specific ways to bless someone and to be “rich toward God.”

Let’s Pray

Lord, please give me eyes to see and then the will to do the things that really matter to you and for eternity.

One Year Bible Reading

Numbers 28:16–29:40; Luke 3:23-38; Psalm 62:1-12; Proverbs 11:18-19