Storing up Eternal Treasure
Storing up eternal treasure
“Someone in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." But He said to him, "Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?"
Then He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." Luke 12:13-15
The word greed means the excessive or rapacious desire, especially for wealth or possessions. Jesus was warning us that greed will bring a snare in your soul. He goes on teaching concerning the laying up of earthly treasures but being selfish towards God. Many spend their whole life in anxiety over things. They labor hard in life in natural affairs and acquiring a lot of stuff without storing up any heavenly treasure.
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16) Many fill their hearts with these things, seeking possessions to fill their life with joy and peace. Which truly can only come from within our spirit in Christ. One can have great accomplishments and gain the whole world but lose their soul. Proverbs 11:21 says he who trusts in riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.
Eternal treasure is found in souls. These treasures we can take with us into eternal life. Good deeds marked by love, giving and serving one another! John wrote this, "But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (1 John 3:17) Be mindful of those around you in this life that are in need. Don’t be moved by it being a certain season to give, but be moved with the compassion of Jesus to live a life of giving!
In Matthew 19, Jesus spoke to the rich young ruler concerning his righteousness. He thought that all the commandments he kept from his youth was enough for eternal life. He quoted them proudly, but what he lacked was the first one which says, “thou shall have no other gods before me.” Jesus asked him to sell all he had and give to the poor and follow Him. The young man walked away sad because his wealth had his heart. It wasn’t wrong that he had wealth, the sin was that wealth had his first affection.
Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:33, to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things are added. The blessings of God overtake the child of God. Keep Jesus first and become a kingdom giver. Let your life be marked with thanksgiving and generosity by committing all things you possess to Christ, as a steward of His resources. This is laying up heavenly treasure for eternity and it is pleasing to the Father.