Store your Treasures in Heaven

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”Matthew 6:19-20 NIV

In a timely story titled “The 5 Worst Gifts for Runners,” published over the weekend, the writer had this advice. “Before you hit the running store for holiday shopping, here’s a friendly reminder that even the most thoughtful gifts can miss the mark for the capital “R” Runner in your life.” The writer went on to say, “Don’t get me wrong—I appreciate a gift of any kind. After all, it’s the thought that counts! But around holidays and the birthdays, I fret that my friends and family might waste money buying me things that, as a runner, I don’t want or need. 

And, you know, if we’re honest, the majority of us would admit to possessing much more than we need but certainly not all that we want. Which is the very reason Jesus warns us to be content with having only our needs (the necessary things for us to live a safe and stable life in service to Him) met and not our greeds. In this way, we will refrain from the pursuit of storing or stockpiling up for ourselves temporary treasures (money and possessions) on earth and will instead invest the resources and time God has given us into doing things that will bring people into the Kingdom, thereby storing up our eternal “treasures in heaven.” You can be sure, though, that this is only possible through trust, faith and perseverance… trusting Christ to know what we need, the faith to know He will provide for those needs, and the determination to do His will in light of that knowledge. 

So, do all that you can to prevent wasting your time and money on things that won’t have an eternal value my friend, especially this time of year when it’s tempting to buy things that aren’t wanted or needed. Invest what you have been given into Kingdom work instead, knowing that it will have value both now and forever. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we have no reason to seek more than our daily bread. Help us to trust that You will provide for all our needs Lord so that we won’t chase after the things of this world but will chase after the lost instead, so that we might do our part in making heaven full. Remind us Lord that we can’t take any possessions into heaven but we can take people. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!