Feb 2 Accumulate treasure in heaven

Matt 6:20 “But accumulate~~ for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.”

The greatest financial strategy is heavenly savings. Christ commands us to accumulate treasures in heaven. How do we do it?

Paul was grateful to the Philippian church for their support of his ministry: “Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities” (Phil 4:15–-16).

To put this in perspective, Thessalonica was about sixty miles (100 km) from Philippi, and Paul was there approximately four to six weeks. Someone had to walk the distance round trip twice with their financial support (“once and again,” Phil 4:16). No wonder Paul described their generosity as “a sweet–smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God” (Phil 4:18).

Paul expresses the eternal perspective of this transaction of generosity in Philippians 4:17: “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.” Paul encouraged them to share in the ministry because there is a record kept in heaven that registers all such generosity.

Giving to the poor to assist in their needs will “provide yourselves money bags . . . a treasure in the heavens that does not fail” (Luke 12:33). Sacrificing your goods to benefit others is another means for transferring treasures to heaven, especially if it facilitates the spread of the gospel. When such sacrifices are measured, God will probably outlandishly exaggerate our rewards according to however He may wish to express His appreciation for our sacrifice in His kingdom (Luke 6:23; 1 Cor 4:5). We are His voice, hands, feet, and wallet to bless and aid the needy and the lost in the compassion of Christ.

God weighs our motives and the benefits of all our actions to His kingdom to determine how we are to be rewarded. We must guard our hearts from selfish interests. The only long–term, significant investment with high returns is to be a resource and an instrument for the kingdom of our Lord Jesus.

“Lord, teach me Your priorities and give me grace to make them mine. Help me see the opportunities to advance Your kingdom.”

 

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