Matthew 6:19-21 - Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus teaches us not to store up treasures for ourselves here on earth, where they can be destroyed or stolen, but rather to store up eternal treasures in heaven that will last forever. He explains that where our treasure is, our hearts and priorities will be focused there as well. The documents provide further commentary on this passage, emphasizing that earthly treasures have no eternal value and will not follow us past this life. However, treasures stored in heaven through selfless giving and serving God's kingdom will reap eternal rewards. Several documents highlight the importance of using our resources wisely, not selfishly hoarding them but investing generously in God's work. Just as the man in Luke 12 stored up treasure for himself but was not rich toward God, we must avoid greed and covetousness, instead becoming rich toward God through sacrificial generosity. The documents also explore the connection between our heart's desires and our use of money and possessions. Whatever we treasure most in life is what we will pour our time, energy and resources into. So Jesus challenges us to lay up heavenly rather than earthly treasure, because that will capture our hearts for what matters most eternally.

In our consumeristic culture today, the temptation to store up earthly treasures is stronger than ever. We are constantly bombarded with messages telling us we need to buy the newest gadgets, the latest fashions, a bigger house and a faster car in order to find meaning and happiness. And too often, we fall for these lies and end up chasing things that will ultimately leave us empty inside. I know from personal experience how easy it is to get caught up in materialism and covetousness. There have been many times when I've envied what others have or put my hope in some new purchase to make me feel fulfilled. But the joy from these things never lasts. As Jesus warned, earthly treasures inevitably fade and disappear. Moth and rust destroy, thieves steal, and time marches on. What we desperately need is a change of heart - to realign our priorities and become rich toward God instead of rich in earthly wealth. When our heart's deepest treasure is Jesus and his eternal kingdom, it transforms everything about how we live. Kingdom-minded generosity replaces selfish hoarding. Contentment triumphs over envy and comparison. Serving others becomes more satisfying than being served. And investments in God's work pay eternal dividends that no earthly portfolio could ever match. So may this passage stir us to reconsider what captures our heart above all else. Do we cling tightly to earthly wealth and possessions that could be gone tomorrow? Or do we hold loosely to the things of this world, freely investing in heavenly treasures that will never fade?

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have coveted earthly wealth and possessions, for the times materialism and greed have infected my heart. Remind me daily that the things of this world are fleeting, but you and your kingdom are eternal. Help me to steward the resources you have given me wisely and generously, storing up treasures in heaven rather than here on earth. In Jesus' name, Amen.