Laying up treasures in heaven is a principle taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21, where He says, “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.” The key to doing this without falling into legalism lies in understanding the heart and motivation behind our actions, focusing on a relationship with God rather than merely adhering to rules.
1. Focus on the Heart
The most important aspect is your heart’s posture towards God and others. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their legalism, which focused on outward conformity to the law rather than inward transformation. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25). Ensure your actions stem from love, gratitude, and a desire to honor God, not from a desire to earn salvation or favor, which is freely given by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
2. Love God and Love People
Jesus summarized the law and the prophets in two commands: love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40). Actions that flow from genuine love for God and a compassionate concern for others naturally align with laying up treasures in heaven. This could involve serving, giving, encouraging, and living out the gospel in everyday interactions.
3. Seek God’s Kingdom First
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Prioritize God’s kingdom values—righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). This means making choices that reflect the reality of God’s kingdom, even when it costs us personally.
4. Practice Generosity
Generosity is not just about giving money; it’s about a spirit of giving in time, resources, and love. “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). Generosity is a reflection of God’s character and opens our hearts to heavenly treasures.
5. Cultivate Spiritual Disciplines with the Right Motive
Engage in prayer, fasting, reading the Word, and other spiritual disciplines not as ends in themselves or as ways to earn merit but as means to draw closer to God and become more like Him. “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:3-4).
6. Live with Eternity in Mind
Make decisions and live your life in light of eternity. This perspective helps prioritize what truly matters and loosens the grip of worldly pursuits. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2).
Remember, it’s not about a checklist of good deeds but about living a life transformed by the love and grace of God, which naturally flows into actions that store up treasures in heaven. The Holy Spirit guides and empowers Christians to live in a way that honors God, free from the bondage of legalistic rule-keeping.
Treasures in Heaven
Treasures in heaven are not physical items but reflect the values and priorities of God’s Kingdom. These treasures are eternal, unlike earthly treasures that are temporary and subject to decay. Here are examples of treasures in heaven, as illustrated or implied throughout Scripture:
1. Relationship with God
The foremost treasure in heaven is our relationship with God, made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. This relationship is eternal and is the foundation of all other heavenly treasures.
“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3).
2. Righteousness
Living in a way that is right and just according to God’s standards is a treasure in heaven.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6).
3. The Souls of People
Leading others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith contributes to heavenly treasures.
“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).
4. Acts of Love and Service
Jesus taught that acts of love and service, especially to those in need, are valued in God’s Kingdom.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35).
5. Generosity and Giving
Financial giving and generosity, especially from a heart of love and sacrifice, are considered treasures in heaven.
“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys” (Luke 12:33).
6. Spiritual Growth and Maturity
The development of Christlike character and the fruits of the Spirit in a believer’s life are treasures that have eternal significance.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
7. Suffering for Christ
Enduring hardship and suffering for the sake of Christ and the gospel is considered a heavenly treasure.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
8. Rewards for Faithful Service
The Bible speaks of rewards in heaven for those who faithfully serve God and His people.
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master'” (Matthew 25:21).
These treasures are characterized by their eternal nature and alignment with God’s will and purposes. They reflect a life lived in devotion to God and in service to others, embodying the values of the Kingdom of Heaven.