Courage in the Life of a BelieverSample

Courage to focus on the unseen

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20)

Is Jesus' teaching practically feasible? He tells us: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19) Really? I am told that it is wise to have money in the bank; to save money for my retirement; to have a little extra in case of emergency. And here is Jesus telling me to lay up for myself treasures in heaven. It sounds really abstract — what ARE treasures in heaven?

Interestingly, Jesus backs up His command by arguing that when we lay up treasures on earth we might lose them, but when we focus on heavenly treasures, we can be sure they will be safe. Jesus appeals to our need for security, but puts it in a whole new perspective.

We need to take Jesus’ word for it that He knows what He is talking about. It takes courage to focus on the unseen, to trust that Jesus is right. It may take a lifetime to figure out what heavenly treasures are and how to collect them. I have a few ideas: investing time, money and energy in God's Kingdom.

How can you store up treasures in heaven today?