“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

— Matthew 6:20

Some people have called this the greatest investment tip of all time.

Jesus tells his followers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Life on earth, as we know it, is temporary, and so are its treasures. Moths eat holes in clothes. Rats and mice chew up and ruin things we have set aside for safekeeping. Metals corrode and discolor over time.

Storing up treasures on earth might be a little more sophisticated today than it was in Jesus’ day, about 2,000 years ago. We might invest in stocks and bonds, real estate, and other things. But none of that really changes the truth of Jesus’ teaching. Markets crash. Inflation guts the value of our currency. It can happen slowly—or overnight. In Alberta a fire destroyed a garage filled with dozens of vintage cars. Natural disasters bring enormous damage and destruction for millions of people every year.

Earthly treasures will never be secure. And, to top it all off, death quickly separates us from any earthly treasure we might accumulate.

But not all is lost! Jesus promises that when we invest our time, efforts, and resources into God’s kingdom here on earth, we will reap dividends for eternity.

Lord, please give us your wisdom for living. All things belong to you. Help us to use the time, gifts, and resources that you give us to serve in your kingdom. Amen.