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Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The word “treasure” used in each of the three verses above refers to something precious. Something valuable. In Matthew 6:19, we are admonished to not store up treasures that can be destroyed or taken away from us. Things like material goods and possessions. In Matthew 6:20, we are told what we are to store up. As the verse says, we are to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Compared to the treasures in Matthew 6:19, the treasures in heaven cannot be destroyed. They cannot be taken away from us. From these two verses, one treasure is temporary (Matthew 6:19), and the other is eternal (Matthew 6:20).
From Matthew 6:21, we see the connection between the things we consider treasure and our response to them. That is, whatever is most valuable and precious to us, our thoughts and feelings are always directed toward those things. We do not just think about these things once in a while. No, whatever we think is most valuable and precious, our heart is drawn to those things above all else.
Mark 12:30 (NKJV) states: And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.
Those words were Jesus’ response when asked what was the first commandment of all. As Jesus said, we are to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Because we are to love nothing more than God, this means that we should hold nothing more valuable or precious than God.
Moment of reflection: are you storing up treasures on earth or in heaven?
Isaiah 33:6 (NLT) states: In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure.
Except where indicated, scripture references are from the American Standard Version (ASV), Darby Translation (DARBY), or King James Version (KJV) – all public domains.
