I have been thinking about “storing up treasures in heaven” and what Jesus’ words really mean.
Jesus warned us when He said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal …” (Matthew 6:19-20).
I know that eternal rewards are far more important than temporary, and that earthly wealth can disappear in an instant. But how can I really store up “treasures in heaven”? I learnt five lessons along the way.
I think the first step is that I should align my heart with God’s priorities. Jesus said that where your treasure is, there your heart will be. And the question I must ask myself is whether I am really seeking God’s will in all areas of my life – in my career, relationships, personal pursuits, and am I trying to make decisions that will honour Him e.g. do I have an open hand towards my staff, the poor, my family, and God’s work? (Isaiah 58 refer.)
Does that mean I should give everything away? No, unless God leads you to do this – but you do need to be a good steward and have a balance in your life, do the one, but do not neglect the other. Jesus spoke in Luke 12:16-21 about the rich man building bigger barns, and then says “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then these very important words ”This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves BUT is not rich toward God.” Do the one, but don’t neglect the other. That lovely vacation I am planning with an open hand must also mean an open hand towards God’s work – because it’s about having a balance. Do the one, but don’t neglect the other!
Secondly, Jesus emphasizes that by loving my neighbour and helping those in need, (such as the poor, the sick, or those who are suffering, through my acts of service (or money)), can be a way of storing treasures in heaven. (Mathew 6:3)
Thirdly, Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33 that we should seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, and all other things will be added to us. When I prioritize God’s Kingdom over worldly pursuits, I am investing in eternal treasures. That reminds me again how important my quiet time is – investing in my relationship with God by spending time with Him – praying, reading and then being obedient to His word. Do I do this to ‘help’ my salvation? No, I am already saved because “there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Then why do I do it? I do it out of love for what Jesus has done for me and seeking His will for my day / my project / my life is a high priority in my life and my act of love by spending time with Him and asking Him what He would like me do. Not my will but Your will be done Lord – and this is not always easy (with my personality.).
Fourthly, living according to God’s commandments and being honest in my dealings with others, builds a life of righteousness, which is pleasing to God and a life that honours God is an eternal treasure. Simply put, do I lead a life of integrity or am I ducking and diving in my business dealings and personal relationships? (Sometimes it’s a very thin line between the two!)
Lastly, persevering in faith, especially in times of trial, can lead to great heavenly rewards. Jesus promised rewards for those who endure persecution for His sake. One of the biggest trials I went through was when the donors stopped the money for our primary school construction due to a church using our facilities. I tried to persevere in faith, and God honoured the little faith I had – it was NOT easy – but persevering in faith does become ‘easier’ the stronger your relationship becomes with Jesus. (I cannot build strong relationships with Anita, our children and with God by not spending quality time with them.)
So, as we prepare for a year-end break, let us try to do the one, without neglecting the other.
Thank you for reading my blogs and for all the encouraging feedback you have sent me over the years. May you and your family have a wonderfully blessed Christmas and may you experience the peace of Christ in your heart and home throughout 2025.
Vandat ek jou hoor praat het by 3Ci druk die Here heeltyd op my hart dat ons Hom dien met ons mond en ons lippe maar ons harte is vêr van Hom af en Hy hoor die gehuil vd werkers in die veld. Ons begin nou n besigheid waar ons werkers oorneem wat nie eers die minimum loon betaal word nie soms net n R100 n dag. Hulle word uitgebuit. Ek is nog so oorweldig met die besigheid en die admin maar 1 April as ons oorneem weet ek die Here sal help. Vanoggend gee die Here vir my Jes 58:10. Bid asb dat ek in my eenvoudigheid, want ek was nog nooit n besigheidsvrou nie, sal kan doen wat die Here my vra.
Dankie Nickey – ek bid verseker vir jou vir wysheid.
Hi Nickey – dankie vir jou terugvoer. Ek bid verseker vir jou vir wysheid. Sterkte in julle nuwe seisoen!
A valuable piece of wisdom, thanx Nico
Thank you Nico for your heartfelt reflections on storing up treasures in heaven. It’s inspiring to see how your faith influences every aspect of your own life, and your journey is a powerful reminder of how investing in God’s will leads to eternal treasures.
Thank you for sharing your lessons. They always seem to arrive, just at the right time. The Lord Bless you and
your family.
Baie dankie vir die vyf lesse van wysheid, Nico.
Waar. Ek persoonlik wonder egter altyd oor ons wat uit oorvloed gee en die arm weduwee wat uit haar armoede alles gegee het.Food for thought .
Mike
Wonderlike post/awesome post, thanks Nico!
Dear Nico,
Thank you for being such an inspiration over the years. God blessed you with wisdom, which you in turn share with others. Thank you for the positive impact you have made in my life, some that you are not even aware of.
I encourage everybody to buy and read your book, “What does God know about business”. There is a lot of lessons to be learned in this book, not only for business people.
Take care, have a blessed Festive Season and be safe.
Tommy
Thank you for your encouragement Tommy!
Thank you Nico!! Jesus emphasized love, compassion, and selflessness, urging us His followers to focus on spiritual wealth rather than material possessions.
Thank you, Nico!
May God bless you abundantly over the Christmas season and give you rest.
Dear Nico. Thank you for such an encouraging blog. Thank you for reminding us that it is NOT easy to persevere. Yet we are call to persevere.
God is genoeg