HEART AND TREASURE

Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

I remember years ago when I wondered how to “store up treasures in heaven.” It never quite made sense to put money into a bag, bucket or plate and have it overseen by the Temple Employees as the same as ‘giving to God.’ After sorting through this for a while and seeing how much this custom resembled the Old Covenant model under the Law of bringing sacrifices to the priest at the holy place to have them dealt with by only the priests… it became a clearer tradition. Transferring this ‘as a safe place’ against moths, rust and thieves took a while longer.

How do we give treasure to God? I don’t think we do nor do I believe the Lord needs it. The only way to give treasure (money or anything else) is learning to give our heart to God. God only wants our hearts; all other giving of any kind is just heart practice for us wherever and however we give it.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus