Part 2
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. Matt 6:20 KJV
In the last article our emphasis was on whose reward we want: God or men. But now we want to go a little further. The last discussion touched upon our motives and methods by which we are able to determine whose reward we shall receive, but here it is our MEANS, that is, our resources that is the focus.
You can either use your resources to lay treasures in Heaven or on earth. The Lord made it clear and from experience it is true, that nothing is secure nor lasting that is invested on earth. There are robbers, destroyers and rusts that make nothing safe and secure on earth. Anyone who puts confidence in his earthly wealth is unwise. He has not been taught by experience and is unwilling to learn from the Lord. On the other hand, whatever is laid in the vaults of Heaven cannot be touched by any of the elements that make wealth insecure on earth.
Let us consider Jesus’ saying on how we may use our wealth to lay treasures in Heaven. Please listen “Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” Luke 14:12-14 NIV. Simply put, when you do things for those who have the means to repay you, it may not be a wise way to invest if Heaven is the consideration. But when you do it for those who cannot repay you, with good motive and method as stated in the previous article, you are sure to have invested in an eternal way.
It is my observation that many times the Lord encouraged people to give, it is to the poor he directed them; those who are unable to repay their generosity. To the rich young ruler, it was clearly spoken, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” Matt 19:21 NIV. It therefore follows that it is what you give away, for Christ-sake, without hope of being repaid that Heaven will record to your credit.
But the one who eats, drinks and makes merry, giving to himself alone; doing his works to service himself alone, such a person not being rich toward God, will be destitute in the afterlife.
Is your eye single about this matter? Have you decided where your treasure will be invested? There is only one life to do that. Please choose wisely.