How to Store Up Treasure in Heaven

For those of you new to Free Money Finance, I post on The Bible and Money every Sunday. Here's why. The following is an excerpt from Dollars and Doctrine.

How do I “store up treasure in heaven”?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures upon earth...But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matt 6:19-20) 

Much of this chapter has been quite philosophical and room remains for a few “down to earth” applications.  First, you must begin to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Rom. 12:1)  The follower of Christ must first change the way he views the world, his money, his work, and his Lord:

“Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.  Therefore they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?’  Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” (John 6:27-29)

Our minds, patterns, and processes must be transformed to account for eternity.  Believe in Christ and believe in His words throughout the Bible.  Then, you are ready to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal.” (Matt 6:20)

How do Christians invest in heaven?  Much is said in the Bible of non-monetary things with heavenly rewards (good works for example, Eph. 6:8), but our purposes revolve only around the financial.  Perhaps a better question would be:  How do Christians invest in heaven financially?  In a word, giving.  A believer must begin to invest his money in more than himself.  Many of the commands Jesus issued that were to be motivated by heavenly reward had to do with giving:  “Sell your possessions and give to charity,” (Luke 12:33) “Go and sell your possessions and give to the poor,” (Matt. 19:21) “Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink,” (Mark 9:41) and “But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” (Luke 14:13)  A follower of Christ who chooses to give money to the needy and the work of the Lord has a far greater return awaiting his soul than any portfolio, property, or business venture could offer.

Ultimately, our decisions should filter through the following paradigm:  Does this action, activity, or cause have eternal significance?  For example, would dollars going to save the rainforest or send missionaries to Africa have more “eternal” return on investment?  This is not to say it is wrong to give to non-eternal or non-Christian organizations; however, the primary concern of where a believer chooses to invest all the resources of his life, including his money, should be areas of eternal impact.  A Christian who invests in heaven understands the famous statement of missionary Jim Elliot:  “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

There is one important clarification to mention before wrapping things up.  A prudent and Biblically astute Christian recognizes that the message of this chapter pertains to sanctification not salvation.  We do not purchase our way into heaven.  Followers of Christ simply begin to emulate His life patterns of grace, eternity, and generosity as they are transformed by the Spirit. 

Comments

[Chad]

Thanks for the post this morning. Too many times we get caught up in earthly desires. We can't take our stock portfolios with us when we die but we can meet up with the brothers and sisters in Heaven that came to know Christ through us. Thanks for the challenging post.

[Benjamin]

What exactly are "treasures in Heaven"? It seems the concept of Heaven is a binary operator, ether (0) you go to Hell and are tortured for all eternity, or (1) you go to Heaven and are with God for all eternity. Or is there going to be a hierarchy in Heaven with those who did better Christian work on Earth being closer to God and those that did marginal Christian work being regulated to the slums forever?

Ben

[Jason @ Redeeming Riches]

Great post!! I'm getting ready to teach on this very topic next week for a group of Young Married Couples at church. It's so counter intuitive, but the looser the grip we have on our money the more God *usually* blesses and sends more. I really believe we need to consider ourselves to be conduits of grace where are money comes from God through us to others.

@Chad - A recent sermon our pastor did talked about treasure in heaven as being our "capacity for joy". We will all be filled up to our capacity for joy, but those who did greater work on earth get more capacity for joy in heaven.

[Debt Free Christian]

Great article! I agree we should "filter" our decisions through the lens of the eternal. It is amazing how possessions add up and before you know it you have a house full of clutter. Strive for simplification.

[Rob @ dollars and doctrine]

(Author of Dollars and Doctrine) Glad you all liked the post. Always encouraging to hear positive feedback.

Ben - I answer that question in another part of the Chapter "Eternity" in Dollars and Doctrine. You should pick up a copy ;)

[Seth]

I really appreciate your statement that this is more of a sanctification process and has nothing to do with salvation. I think that point is often understated.

[MasterPo]

MasterPo doesn't think G-d is keeping a running tab on how much $$$ we give to others.

For that matter, what is more "heavenly": To give to someone else, or, to use your resources to care for your own family and charges?

MasterPo will not attempt to speak for the Higher Authority, but there is the old saying the charity begins at home...

[Account Deleted]

great article!!!!!!!!!