Matthew 6:19 - 21

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

21 For wher20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.e your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

We need to be careful not to use this verse as a reason not to save our assets for the future. But we need to make sure we are not hoarding our savings only for ourselves. The key in this verse is “for yourselves.” The parable of the farmer who decided to “build bigger barns” was chastised because he planned to sit idle and live off of his surplus instead of helping others in need with his bounty. ( Luke 12:15 – 21) (1 Timothy 6:17 – 19) Gives instructions to the rich to be ready to share their blessings with those in need. (Ephesians 4:28) gives the instructions even if we are not rich, but earning a living we must be prepared to share with the less fortunate.

This verse also shows the fallacy of depending on the hoard which has been set aside for our enjoyment of the future. It is very fragile, there are many risks to keeping our savings here on earth. From thieves to natural decay of the physical riches.

But verse 20 shows us the safety of laying up treasures in heaven, they are safe from thieves and decay. These treasures consist of the credit God gives us for living a Godly and righteous life. These credits provide for a good foundation for laying hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:19)

Another reason for not hoarding wealth on earth is where our riches are is the risk of having too much dependence on those riches and placing trust on them instead of God, In that case our riches become our god, or an idol to us. Paul in (Ephesians 5:5 & Colossians 3:5) refers to the act of coveting as being the same as idolatry. Perhaps this is the reason Jesus said it is harder for a rich man to enter heaven than a camel to go through the eye of a needle. Not impossible, but difficult.(Matthew 19:23 – 26)

We cannot let our assets take away our devotion to God.