From the Book, Rules For Life: According To Jesus

17. Store Up Treasures In Heaven 

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Matthew 6:19-21

Notice that Jesus said this just before He said what we just talked about in the previous section. 

We can see here that Jesus doesn’t merely want us to focus on God above earthly possessions; He wants us to rid ourselves of the accumulation of things, and do right to all.

I know people who we could rightly call “pack rats”; people who store up so much stuff that they can barely get around inside of their house. This kind of mentality is just that: a state of mind (and heart). It brings a person to the point where they don’t feel complete if they don’t have more than they need for today. This leads to a state of perpetual discontentment. It’s a heart issue; one that Jesus commands us to avoid. 

How many garages in America are stuffed full of stuff? How much of this stuff is necessary for day-to-day living? I’ve been guilty of this myself for years. Only recently have I purged myself of having too much stuff. I have also purged myself of an attitude that seeks after it. I have finally become like Paul and can be content with or without. I can tell you that this is the narrow path to true freedom from worldliness.  So what should we do when God blesses us with more income than we need? That’s easy—we share. 

We also store up good works. Helping others who are in need and sharing the Good News with the world. 

Imagine a country where the wealthy have only what they need and share the rest with the unfortunate souls in their community. Imagine those who are rich, pouring their lives into those who are destitute. How much wealth would be distributed in such a scenario? And take it one step further and have those who know how to live clean, prosperous, upright lives teaching others how to do the same. It almost sounds exactly like the Church in the First Century!

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47

That is what the world should look like today. And guess what? It starts with you, right now (I’ve already begun). If you have nothing else to give, give love, respect, and honor. Teach what you know that is worth teaching.  

Previous – Do Not Worry | Next – Do Not Be Judgmental

Sections in this study:
Introduction
1: Repent
2: Be Born Again
3: Place God First
4: Love and Serve One Another
5: Live By Faith
6: Forgive Others
7: Remain in Jesus
8: Live Righteously Before Men
9: Avoid Bad Influences
10: Stay On The Narrow Path
11: Do Not Return Evil With Evil
12: Give More Than Is Demanded
13: Love Your Enemies
14: Check Your Motives
15: Pray Simply
16: Do Not Worry
17: Store Up Treasures In Heaven
18: Do Not Be Judgmental
19: Guard what is Sacred
20: Care For Those In Distress
21: Do Not Swear Oaths
22: Watch out for false prophets
23: Exercise Spiritual Power
24: Have Childlike Faith
25: Do Not Exalt Yourself
26: Settle Disputes Quickly
27: Settle Disputes Between Believers
28: Do not Oppose Brethren
29: Remember Me
30: Be Merciful
31: Make Disciples
32: Be Ready
33: Obey Jesus’ Commands
Closing Comments