"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.” - Matthew 6:19-21

In his teaching on financial generosity, Jesus Christ teaches his disciples how to lay up true treasures for themselves. The world would have you believe that true treasures are things like houses, cars, clothing or jewelry. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with these things, Jesus taught us that true treasures cannot be stored here on earth. They cannot be stored here on earth because they are subject to destruction as a result of such things as moths and rust. Moths feed on animal fibers, especially fur, silk, and leather. Rust occurs when iron or its alloys, such as steel, corrode. True treasures also cannot be stored on earth because thieves can break in and steal. Yet Jesus said that true treasures do in fact exist and can only be stored in heaven. Why? Because when stored in heaven, treasures will never be subject to moths, rust or thievery. Furthermore, he said that wherever your treasure is located, you will also find the location of your heart.

So where are you laying up treasure for yourself? Where is your heart located? What would your bank account say? There’s nothing wrong with owning a house, car, clothing or jewelry but do those things own you? Are you financially generous towards others or are you stingy? Do you believe that God gave you everything so you can share anything? If not, why not? What is keeping you from sharing with others out of the abundance of God’s blessing to you? When you see financial generosity as a way to lay up treasure for yourself in heaven, you will begin to feel excited about giving to others! You’ll begin to experience the joy that comes from imitating your Creator and Savior who loves to generously give to others. You’ll begin to bear the family resemblance.

For Jesus,
Pastor Mark