Build treasure in Heaven.

The command to "build treasure in heaven" is a central teaching of Jesus, directly challenging our natural inclination to seek security and significance in earthly things. It is an invitation to invest in what is eternal and truly valuable.

This command comes from the Sermon on the Mount:

“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 (ESV)

What Does It Mean to Build Treasure in Heaven?

Building treasure in heaven means using your time, energy, resources, and gifts for purposes that have eternal significance and align with God's kingdom. It is investing in people and God's work, knowing that the returns are not temporary but last forever.

How Do We Build This Treasure? (Biblical Examples)

1. Generous Giving to Those in Need:

   "Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys." - Luke 12:33 (ESV)

   · Action: Giving to the poor, the hungry, the marginalized, and supporting ministry is like making a direct deposit into your heavenly account.

2. Faithful Service and Obedience to God:

   "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." - Matthew 25:21 (ESV)

   · Action: Faithfully doing the work God has given you—whether large or small, public or private—is storing up reward.

3. Sharing the Gospel and Making Disciples:

   "For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy." - 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (ESV)

   · Action: Investing in people's spiritual lives and leading them to Christ creates eternal treasure. People are the only "things" we can take to heaven with us.

4. Loving and Praying for Enemies:

   "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High." - Luke 6:35 (ESV)

   · Action: Showing radical, Christ-like love in difficult situations has great eternal reward.

5. Praying, Fasting, and Serving in Secret:

   "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." - Matthew 6:6 (ESV)

   · Action: Doing spiritual disciplines not for human praise but for God's eyes alone accumulates heavenly reward.

A Poem: "Building Treasure in Heaven"

"Building Treasure in Heaven"

The coin that shines, the land we hold, The story of success we've told, The house so large,the car so new, The accolades we pursue.

The moth will feast, the rust consume, The thief will break into the room, And all we've built will fade away, With yesterday's news,and yesterday's day.

But there's a wealth that does not fade, A sure return on investments made. A different currency,a different kind, The economy of the heavenly mind.

It is the dollar given in Jesus' name, To ease the hurting one's deep shame. It is the hour upon your knees in prayer, The burden for a soul you bear.

It is the meal you make, the clothes you give, The grace you show so one may live. It is the word of truth you speak in love, Pointing another to the King above.

It is the secret act of kindness done, Praising the Father,not the sun. It is the cup of water,cold, you bring, It is the song of joy you sing.

These are the bricks of solid gold, A story in the heavens told. Deposits in a bank divine, That lasts through endless space and time.

So build your treasure there, above, Secured in God's great heart of love. For where you put your gold and art, Is surely where you'll place your heart.

Invest today in the never-ending, In the love of God,forever sending. Build your treasure in the sky, Where your true heart will ever lie.

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A Prayer for Heavenly Focus

Heavenly Father,

My heart is so easily drawn to earthly treasures—to security, comfort, and recognition. Forgive me. Give me spiritual eyes to see the incredible value of eternal investments.

Help me to be generous, knowing that every gift to the needy is a treasure stored with You. Make me faithful in small things, joyful in service, and bold in sharing the gospel. Let my life be spent on what truly matters, so that one day I may hear those words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

I ask this in the name of Jesus, who gave up every heavenly treasure to make me rich in You.

Amen.