“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:19–21 NLT)

 

“Heaven on earth” is a well-worn cliché in popular culture. You can find the phrase or idea in countless songs, books, TV shows, movies, and online content. Of course, God’s people understand that there’s a sharp distinction between Heaven and earth. Heaven is the real deal, the eternal dwelling place. Earth is the temporary dwelling place. There is no comparison. Think of the best things you’ve ever experienced on this earth: your wedding day, the birth of a child, or a special moment with someone you love. Even the most impactful, the most unforgettable, and the most life-changing incidents were merely glimpses of glory, tastes of what’s to come in Heaven.

1. S. Lewis wrote in Letters to Malcolm, “The hills and valleys of heaven will be to those you now experience not as a copy is to an original . . . but as the flower to the root, or the diamond to the coal.”

The Bible tells us that one day believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, also known as the Bema Seat. There, we will receive rewards for our faithfulness to God. Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9 NLT).

He also offered this reminder in 1 Corinthians 3:8: “The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work” (NLT).

Therein lies our incentive for this earthly life. There will be a reward. This should cause us to want to do everything we can for God’s glory. That’s what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 6:19–21 when He said, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (NLT). He’s talking about traveling light, where material possessions are concerned.

As I’ve often said, we can’t take it with us, but we can send it on ahead. Every investment we make of our lives for God’s glory—the giving of our time, the use of our gifts, the investment of our resources—will result in an eternal reward. By being faithful to the Lord, we are laying up treasure in Heaven for ourselves.

 

Reflection question: What would laying up treasures in Heaven instead of on earth look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

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