CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 901

“Treasure in Heaven”

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… (Matthew 6:19 -21)

An allegorical story is told about a terminally ill wealthy man who wanted to take his wealth with him after he passed away and God allowed it. So the man had his vast wealth converted into gold bars and stored in cases under his death bed. After he passed away he was greeted by St. Peter at the pearly gates. Peter was eager to see what was so important in this man’s earthly life that he had to take it with him to heaven. Upon opening one of the cases Peter asked incredulously, ‘Pavement?! You brought pavement to heaven?!’… and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass. (Revelation 21:21)

I watched a cable network program the other day that showcased extreme homes of all types. I was struck by the common themes expressed by the homeowners. They all described various features of their homes by how much money they spent and they almost all described their homes as ‘heaven on earth’. The truth of the matter is that it is all subject to decay, destruction, and theft. In the end it will all burn. Then what? In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus outlines three imperatives for our life on earth: Lay up treasure in heaven (v20), Do not worry or be anxious about the things of this world (v25), and seek first His kingdom and righteousness (v33).

The catalyst for these three imperatives is a heart for God. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (v21) It begins when we seek first His kingdom and righteousness. So how does this play out in practical daily living? It plays out when all that we say, do and decide is done with an eye toward eternity instead of the immediate gratification of our fleshly desires which are temporarily satisfied at best. Let’s look at a few major life events as examples of storing up treasure in heaven.

Marriage. Are you choosing a spouse that shares your faith and love for Christ or will you be unequally yoked? A proper Christ-centered foundation is critical in a marriage where both partners can build each other up in the Lord and train their children up in the faith.

Career. What is the underlying motivation in your choice of career? Is it the attainment of wealth and power? Ask yourself where the ministry is in the career. Ask yourself how you can serve Christ and further His kingdom through this secular career. Ask if this career choice will be detrimental to your life balance and life relationships, especially your relationship with God. Will this career demand that you compromise on Biblical Christian values?

Home purchase. How much house is needed? How much debt? Will you have to ‘eat house’ and neglect faithful stewardship in tithes and offerings because you bought too much house? Will you and your spouse have to work extra to maintain this ‘lifestyle’ causing your children to be neglected and devoid of proper Christian parental influence?

May you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness in each and every aspect of your life decisions. May all that you say, do and decide in this life be such that you are storing up imperishable treasure in heaven for eternity.