“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

In context, this verse describes the opposing relationship of investment in either earthly or spiritual treasures. Matthew 6:19-20 tells us “do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Similarly in Luke 12:33, we are told to “sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” While both Matthew and Luke record Jesus speaking about “where your treasure is,” Luke also records a parable that goes with Jesus’ teaching.

“And he told them this parable: ‘The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, “What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.”

Then he said, “This is what I’ll do. I will tear down m y barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’”

‘But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”

‘This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich towards God.’”

(Luke 12:16-21).

We do not know the time of our death or what will happen tomorrow. (James 4:14). Yet, we so often find ourselves acting as if we are in control. As if we can store up “more” until we no longer have to worry. However, everything we store up on this earth cannot be taken to the next life. It is temporary and ultimately meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3). Rather than store up earthly riches which will one day disappear, the Bible explains how we are to live and handle that which is given to us:

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).