In a world driven by consumerism, status, and success, the words of Christ in Matthew 6:19–21 stand as a clear call to reorient our lives around eternal priorities:
“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… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This command is not merely about wise stewardship—it is a reflection of our understanding of God’s sovereignty, grace, and the eternal purpose for which we were redeemed.
Treasures: Earthly vs. Eternal
The Reformed tradition emphasizes the fallen nature of mankind and the corruptibility of all earthly things. Our possessions, achievements, and comforts—while gifts from God—are fleeting and ultimately unable to satisfy. Earthly treasures perish. But heavenly treasures, secured through a life of faithful obedience and sacrificial love, endure eternally.
Laying up treasures in heaven is not about earning salvation—salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). Instead, it flows from a heart transformed by grace. Those who have been justified and adopted into God’s family are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live for God’s glory (Romans 8:29–30).
What Are Heavenly Treasures?
Heavenly treasures are the fruit of a life lived in union with Christ. They include:
- Acts of obedience rooted in faith (John 14:15)
- Generous giving to meet the needs of others (2 Corinthians 9:6–11)
- Evangelism and discipleship, investing in souls for eternity (Matthew 28:19–20)
- Persevering through trials with joy and faith (James 1:12)
- Prayer, worship, and a heart set on God (Colossians 3:1–3)
These are the investments that echo into eternity—not because they merit our justification, but because they reflect the sanctifying work of the Spirit in us.
The Heart Behind the Treasure
Jesus teaches that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The heart is the seat of our affections and desires. A regenerate heart longs for God and His kingdom, not the passing pleasures of this life.
When our hearts are captivated by the gospel, we no longer chase the fleeting applause of man or security in wealth. Instead, we see all of life—our time, resources, talents, and relationships—as tools for glorifying God and serving His purposes.
Eternal Investment in a Temporal World
Living with eternity in view means we resist the pull of the world’s values and instead pursue what matters to God. This includes:
- Raising children in the faith, viewing them not as personal projects but as future warriors for Christ.
- Using our businesses and careers to reflect God’s justice, mercy, and beauty.
- Serving the local church, building up the body of Christ as an outpost of the coming kingdom.
- Caring for the poor and marginalized, mirroring the heart of our Savior who came not to be served but to serve.
Soli Deo Gloria
Ultimately, laying up treasures in heaven is about living Soli Deo Gloria—for the glory of God alone. We live as stewards, not owners. We are pilgrims, not permanent residents. And we labor not for the crown of man, but for the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).
In the end, our greatest treasure is not what we lay up—but who we are laid up for: Christ Himself. All our efforts, all our offerings, all our obedience point to Him. And on that day when we stand before our King, may He say, “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21).
Dawn Zauner 