19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-20 KJV)
Store your treasures in heaven
Worldliness is a common and dangerous sign of hypocrisy, for no sin secures Satan’s grip on the soul more than this, especially under the appearance of religious devotion. Christ, after warning us against seeking human praise, warns us against coveting wealth. Hypocrites choose the world as their reward, but we must be careful in selecting our treasure, our ultimate goal, and our master.
Everyone has something they consider their treasure—their greatest good, their source of security. Christ does not forbid us from having treasure but directs us to choose it wisely.
A Warning Against Earthly Treasures
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,” where material things decay or are stolen. Treasures on earth are not the best or most valuable things. We should not crave abundance or place our trust in wealth for future security. These things must not be our ultimate comfort. Instead of storing up for our descendants in this world, we should store up for ourselves in the next. It is foolish to lay up treasures on earth, knowing their temporary nature.
The Unreliable Nature of Earthly Wealth
Wealth is easily lost or destroyed. Moths ruin fine clothing; rust and decay consume stored goods; thieves steal valuables. Even silver and gold tarnish and corrode over time. Worldly riches naturally diminish. Seneca said, “I never trusted fortune, even when she seemed friendly, for all she gave—money, honors, glory—was placed where she could take it back without my consent.” It is foolish to treasure what can be so easily lost.
The Wisdom of Storing Up Treasures in Heaven
True treasures—eternal riches, glory, and joy—are found in heaven. We must secure our place in eternity through faith in Christ, looking beyond earthly concerns. Those who prioritize heaven’s treasures will not be weighed down by the burdens of worldly wealth. The promises of God are like bills of exchange, ensuring our treasure in heaven. Unlike earthly riches, these treasures do not decay, nor can they be stolen. They are incorruptible.
A Key Principle: The Heart Follows the Treasure
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The direction of our affections determines whether we live for earthly or heavenly things. The heart follows the treasure as a compass follows a magnet. Our desires, thoughts, and efforts will be focused on what we value most. God asks for our hearts, and they will be with Him if our treasure is with Him.
If our religious acts—charity, prayer, fasting—are done for human praise, we have stored our treasure on earth. Human praise fades, and hypocrisy leads to loss. But if we serve God sincerely, our treasure is recorded in heaven, where it will be rewarded. Hypocrites’ names are written on the earth; God’s faithful have their names written in heaven.