7/31/2024
Elijah McSwain, Sr.
Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV — “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
The world in which we live is known to some degree for its vast treasures. The earth is filled with many treasure that are known, unknown, and lost. When people speak of treasures it creates a thrill due to an internal obsession of such material items. Two of my favorite movies to watch are National Treasure and National Treasure 2. The Gates family are treasure hunters. This family and their associates as well as their opposition set out to search for the Templar Treasure in the first movie and the Lost City of Gold in the second movie. Various clues were hidden in plain sight as well as hidden in secret places in both movies that lead to a great deal of suspense, drama, adventure and elation. Once the treasures were found in both movies, there was a sense of astonishment and awe over the discovery of the vast riches from ancient history. Essentially, the movie portrayed that people treasured treasures as a result of its significance worth, costly value, and in some cases, its rarity. The idea of pursuing treasures, things of great price, and precious commodities bring joy and excitement to the collector who seeks out certain earthly possessions.
However, according to the biblical narrative found in Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus challenges His listeners on how to have the “proper perspective regarding materialism, valuable possessions, property, and abundance in light of eternity. The overall emphasis is placed on the fact that possessing the proper perspective on the temporal things of life in contrast to the things of eternity is vital in shaping our outlook and worldview on how we approach life.” 1 Here in Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus does not give a prohibition against being wealthy, but He deals with the perishable nature of treasure, the insecurity of treasure, and the attitude of seeking the creation over the Creator who possess heavenly treasures. In verse 19 of this passage gives the imperative command, “do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, whereas verse 20 gives the divine appeal to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” In Jesus’ appeal, it is wise to take note of the spiritual implications of seeking heavenly treasures as opposed to earthly treasures.
Store Up Treasures In Heaven’s Treasury
The opening of verse twenty presents a stark contrast from verse nineteen. It sets forth a new directive to lay up treasures in heaven as opposed to laying up treasures on earth. The phrase “lay up” means to amass or reserve treasures in heaven by investing eternally in heaven’s depository.
The way to amass or reserve treasure in heaven is contingent upon using what God has given us materially and bodily for spiritual use.
When we use our resources and life as a living sacrifice for God, we are essentially storing up treasures in heaven. By no means are we using our earthly treasures and giving of ourselves as a means to obtain favor, favoritism or salvation from God. Salvation has already been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. No amount of earthly treasure can ever pay the steep price to atone for sin. However, because of our saving relationship with God through Christ, we use the resources and our lives that He has given us to bring glory to His name and in turn we are storing up eternal treasures. H.B. Charles, Jr. voiced “the matter that is before us in our text is this: make sure you are investing your life in things that will last. In his book, The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn sums it up neatly: "You cannot take it with you, but you can send it ahead of you." If that is true, then you should only invest your life in things that are going to last.
How important will your house be a hundred years from now?
How important will your car be a hundred years from now?
How important will your diploma be a hundred years from now?
How important will your career be a hundred years from now?
How important will your accomplishments be a hundred years from now?
Some things we invest so much of ourselves into will not really matter ten years from now, much less a hundred years from now.” 2
This should cause us to weigh the physical things of this world in light of eternity. We should place our stock in the things of eternity as opposed to being consumed with the things that are merely confined to time. The premise of using what we have materially or humanly for the kingdom of God should be reflected in our mindset and way of life.
Colossians 3:1-3 (NKJV) records “if then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Our perspective in life should align with God’s divine purpose, mission, and will as we seek to fulfil elements of His plan based on our connection with Christ.
Every act of service and good works flow out of our relational position with Christ. These acts and good works can be seen in our spiritual portfolio of investing in spiritual matters that are pleasing unto God. Believers live in alignment with a biblical worldview that is fashioned after the Holy Spirit. Our focus is not on the things of carnality but our focus centers on the things of heaven.
Romans 8:5 (NKJV) reveals this by the declaration “for those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”
Possessing a Spirit filled mindset empowers Christians to store up heavenly treasures. Right now you may be pondering, exactly what are heavenly treasures? Clarence Haynes, Jr. provides two categories of treasures: treasures of character and treasures of works. “Treasures of character include the way you live before God and the way you live before men, especially how you treat them. Heaven values holiness, righteousness, honesty, humility, sacrifice, mercy, justice, and other similar qualities. Treasures of work are not just about what you do but the attitude you do it with. As followers of Christ, we are all called to do good works which God has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10). The works that God values are the ones that are done with the right heart and right attitude. This attitude focuses on doing God’s work for His glory, seeking to build His kingdom rather than your own.” 3
As believers we should store up treasures that are linked to the fruit of the Spirit and character development. Heavenly treasures that are interwoven in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, virtue, godly knowledge, and godliness (cf. Galatians 5:22-23 & 2 Peter 1:5-7). Heavenly treasures linked to the proper attitude of the outflow of good works can be viewed in light of Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV) which mentions “whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Making an eternal investment of service unto God, showing kindness and love to our fellowman, and possessing the right attitude in our servitude is valued by God and should be valued above earthly riches.
James Burton Coffman speaks of “the inducement that giving to righteous causes should not be overlooked. All that one gives or does for the kingdom of God will accrue to his eternal credit.” 4 The infinite value that is linked to our heavenly treasures is a timeless possession for believers to enjoy eternally. It is eternally secured and reserved for our enjoyment in heaven. Therefore, shifting our attention to the eternal pursuits of God is far more valuable than any perishable treasure that is subject to theft or decay.
The Impenetrable and Incorruptible Nature of Heavenly Treasures
The gospel of Matthew states to lay up treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where neither thieves break in and steal. This highlights that there is an impenetrable and incorruptible nature to our heavenly treasures.
William MacDonald asserts that “Jesus says that the only investments not subject to loss are treasures in heaven.” 5
Heavenly treasures are not subject to rust, decay, corrosion, disintegration, fraud, extortion, or theft due to heaven being free of anything that has decomposing qualities and anyone who has vile intentions of criminal activity. Revelation 21:27 (NKJV) communicates there shall by no means enter in heaven “anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” There is no need for security because thieves and the immoral do not have access to heaven. We do not have to worry about anyone trying to ransack what is being invested in heaven. Criminals cannot plunder or pillage our heavenly treasures. Heaven is a place of purity and undefiled activity. There is nothing polluted, tainted, blemished or unclean in heaven regarding its citizens and the elements that exist there. Corrosion cannot blemish our heavenly treasures. The investment that we are making into heaven’s treasury cannot succumb to the elements on earth.
Our eternal investments are safely secured in heaven.
1 Peter 1:4 (NKJV) distinctively explains that believers have “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” Every transaction deposited into heaven has a permanent and lasting nature. By no means will our heavenly treasures ever be lost, we will enjoy our heavenly treasures for all of eternity. Therefore, we should seek the things that God Himself treasures and continuously invest in the infinite value of eternal riches with what God has given to us.
As Christians we should be spiritual treasure seekers. We should daily seek for the things associated with heavenly value.
There is a story told that “for more than thirty years, archaeologist Howard Carter searched the deserts of Egypt for something that most people thought didn’t exist—the tomb of King Tut. Most experts believed that everything in the Valley of the Kings had already been discovered, but Carter continued his search. Eventually after five more years without result, Carter’s sponsor, Lord Carnarvon of England, declared that he would stop funding the search. In November of 1922, during his final season of work, Carter uncovered a hidden staircase near the tomb of Ramses VI. He sent a cable to England which said, “At last have made a wonderful discovery in the Valley; a magnificent tomb with seals intact.” Carter had indeed located the tomb of King Tut, one of the greatest archaeological treasures every discovered. After months of careful work, the golden treasures of the tomb were cataloged and the first intact royal mummy ever found was removed from the place where it had rested for more than 3,000 years. Carter’s search was driven by his firm belief that there was treasure to be found, though he could not be certain that he was correct. Unlike Carter, we have an absolutely guaranteed result of success and great reward if we search for the wisdom of God. Notice the certainty of the promise—if we receive God’s Word, if we cry out for it and seek it as treasure hunters do for precious metals, we will surely find what we seek. Proverbs 2:1-5 (NKJV) implies “my son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” 6
The infinite value of being rich in God and the things of heaven is afforded to all who seek the wisdom of God. To be a recipient of heaven riches, it begins when a person values the everlasting wisdom of God above everything else. This wisdom starts when entering a saving relationship with Him through the salvific work of Christ.
In summation, the indestructible treasures of heaven that are forever safeguarded from moth, rust, and thieves should be our aim in life. It should be life’s ultimate goal.
Invest in heaven’s treasury where our investments are secured and reserved for us in heaven.
Resources
https://www.thechristianinquiry.org/post/the-finite-nature-of-earthly-treasures
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/how-do-i-store-up-treasures-in-heaven.html
Coffman, James Burton. “Commentary on Matthew 6:20”. “Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bcc/matthew-6.html. Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999.
William MacDonald. The Believer’s Bible Commentary.
https://ministry127.com/resources/illustration/the-treasure-hunt