How can we store up treasures in heaven?

Answer

Jesus instructed us to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” «but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: », (Matthew 6:20). He connected this directive to the inclination of our hearts: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21;see also verses 10-20).

The Bible discusses the rewards that await the believer who faithfully serves the Lord in this world «He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. », (Matthew 10:41). A “great” reward is pledged to those who endure persecution for Jesus’ sake. Various crowns are mentioned «henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. », (in 2 Timothy 4:8, e:g:). Jesus affirms that He will bring rewards with Him upon His return «And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. », (Revelation 22:12).

Above all, we are to cherish the Lord Jesus. When Jesus is oIn our treasure, we will dedicate our resources—our money, our time, our talents—to His work in this world. Our motivation for what we do is crucial: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Paul encourages servants that God has an eternal reward for those who are motivated to serve Christ: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).

When we live sacrificially for Jesus’ sake or serve Him by serving the body of Christ, we store up treasure in heaven. Even seemingly small acts of service do not go unnoticed by God. “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward” “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).

Some with more visible gifts (see 1 Corinthians 12) such as teaching, singing, or playing a musical instrument might be tempted to use their gift for their own glory. Those who use their talents or spiritual gifts coveting the praise of men rather than seeking God’s glory receive their “payment” in full here and now. The applause of men was the extent of the Pharisees’ reward: “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”

(Matthew 6:16). Why should we strive for earthly praises when we can receive much more in heaven?

The Lord is faithful to reward us for the service we offer Him “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”, (Hebrews 6:10). While our ministries may vary, the Lord we worship remains constant. “The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to their own labor” “Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive their own reward according to their own labor.”, (1 Corinthians 3:8).

The wealthy young man prioritized his wealth over God in Matthew 19:16–30, a truth that Jesus astutely highlighted. The issue was not his wealth but that he “cherished” his riches and failed to “cherish” what he could have in Christ. Jesus instructed him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, “and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (verse 21). Sadly, the young man departed from Jesus sorrowful, as he was exceedingly rich. He opted for earthly treasures and neglected to store up treasures in heaven. He was unwilling to make Jesus his ultimate treasure. Despite his devoutness, Jesus revealed his underlying greed.

We are cautioned against forfeiting our full reward by heeding false teachers “Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we have worked for, but that we receive a full reward.”, (2 John 1:8). This underscores the significance of daily immersion in God’s Word “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

, (2 Timothy 2:15). This will help us identify false teaching when we hear it.

The rewards that await the child of God will surpass any trouble, inconvenience, or persecution we may encounter “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”, (Romans 8:18). We can wholeheartedly serve the Lord, knowing that God is the One keeping track, and His reward will be abundantly gracious. “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”, (1 Corinthians 15:58).