What Does It Mean To Lay Up Treasure In Heaven?

Understanding What It Means to Lay Up Treasure in Heaven

The phrase "lay up treasure in heaven" is a profound teaching found in the words of Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount. It challenges believers to consider where their true priorities lie. To grasp its full meaning, we must examine the biblical context, the nature of heavenly treasure, and how this impacts the life and actions of a follower of Christ.

The Words of Jesus on Heavenly Treasure

The core passage comes from Matthew 6:19-21 ASV:

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also. - Matthew 6:19-21 ASV

Here, Jesus contrasts temporal, earthly wealth with eternal, imperishable treasure. Earthly treasures are subject to decay and loss, while heavenly treasures are secure and everlasting.

What Are Treasures in Heaven?

The Bible portrays "treasures in heaven" as rewards or blessings from God that are given in response to faithful living, obedience, generosity, and love for others. These are not material riches, but spiritual rewards that reflect our relationship with God and our service to others.

Faithful Service: Jesus mentions rewards for those who serve Him faithfully.
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward. - Matthew 10:42 ASV
Generosity to Others: Acts of charity and generosity are recognized by God.
Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not high-minded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed. - 1 Timothy 6:17-19 ASV
Pursuing God's Kingdom: Prioritizing God's purposes brings eternal reward.
But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matthew 6:33 ASV

Why Not Store Up Treasures on Earth?

Earthly treasures are fleeting and uncertain. Jesus warns against putting our trust in material wealth, for it is vulnerable and cannot satisfy the deepest needs of the heart. The apostle Paul echoes this warning:

For we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out. - 1 Timothy 6:7 ASV

Material possessions can never provide ultimate security or meaning. Instead, they can become a snare, drawing our hearts away from God.

How Do We Lay Up Treasure in Heaven?

Scripture teaches that investing in God’s kingdom involves actions such as:

Loving and serving others selflessly (Mark 9:41 ASV)
Giving generously and sacrificially (Luke 12:33 ASV)
Living faithfully for Christ, even in the face of adversity (Matthew 5:11-12 ASV)
Making disciples and spreading the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20 ASV)

These actions do not earn salvation, but they are the fruit of a life transformed by Christ. Salvation is by grace through faith alone:

For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. - Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV

The Heart of the Matter

Ultimately, laying up treasure in heaven is about where our heart is devoted. Jesus teaches that our true treasure—what we value most—reveals the orientation of our hearts:

for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also. - Matthew 6:21 ASV

A life lived for Christ, seeking His kingdom and investing in things of eternal value, is a life that stores up treasure in heaven. Each act of faithfulness, generosity, and love is remembered by God and will be richly rewarded in eternity.

Conclusion

To lay up treasure in heaven is to live with eternity in view—prioritizing the things of God above the things of this world. It is a call to invest our time, resources, and energy in what truly matters: loving God, serving others, and advancing His kingdom. This is the path to true and lasting reward.

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