Lay up your Treasures 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, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19-20 ESV

In an article titled “Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree Dies After Arizona Marathon” published by Runner‘s World last week, the following was reported: Pierre Lipton, 26, started the Mesa Marathon at 6:30 a.m. on February 4, chasing a personal best. After 26.2 miles running 7:15 mile pace, Lipton crossed the finish line in 3:10:05, a new PR. A few steps from the finish line, he collapsed near paramedics. They tried CPR unsuccessfully and sent him to the hospital. Soon after, he passed away. Lipton’s father, who works in emergency medicine, told the Boston Globe that “the working diagnosis is he might have had some sudden electrolyte imbalance that caused arrhythmia.” Lipton, who resided in Providence, Rhode Island, was a celebrated media businessperson. After founding the Chicago-based newsletter company 1440 Media, he was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2022. Lipton’s girlfriend, Eleanor Pereboom, said he died “doing what he loved.”  He accomplished more than anyone I know in just 26 years, but he still had so many plans,” she wrote on Instagram. “I ask that you please hold him in your heart and share your memories of him.”

And you know, as sad as this story is, it's even sadder that Pierre worked to accomplish so much but acquired treasures that were only temporary.  Which is the very reason, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned the people not to store up material treasures on earth that won't pass from this life to the next but to lay up for themselves treasures in heaven instead, treasures that would never pass away. You see, only those things you and I do for the kingdom of God will have any lasting value. Knowing that then, we should work hard to invest our time, talents, and resources into doing God's work knowing that by doing so we are investing in heaven. 

So work hard for the Lord my friend. Chase a personal relationship with Him above all else and give all that you have to accomplish all that God has called you to do knowing that you are storing up your treasures in heaven. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that only what we do for You will last. Help us to truly understand this so that we would value people above possessions and a relationship with You above a reputation in this world. Give us the strength to accomplish more for the Kingdom than we ever thought possible. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!