“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Matthew 6:19-20

Do you collect things? Do you collect baseball cards, coins, stamps, baskets, or old “tin type” pictures? Interesting to think that, although we believe these are our collections, when we die, they become someone else’s collection. And if our children are not interested in whatever we collected, they will either gather dust at the bottom of a box, or they will be sold for a fraction of what we think they are worth. The things we value in this life, often mean nothing for our time in the life to come. Jesus mentioned this concept, specifically, when he said “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven….not things that on this earth will just rust, or get stolen.” The treasures that we seek to pile up in heaven never lose their worth – they can never be stolen – they will never lose their luster. The question becomes: can we really stockpile them in heaven – or is this just a metaphor?

Well, in our Lutheran tradition, we do not believe that we are earning our way to heaven – we believe that it takes faith only, faith in G-d’s amazing Grace through the cross of Jesus. As such, because we are so appreciative of this gift of Grace, we are called to live lives of service. It is through our offering forgiveness limitlessly, in loving unconditionally, and in serving without question that we show our love for G-d and how much we value Grace. 

In the gospel of Mark, we read that the Lord tested the rich young ruler’s heart when he was asked to sell all that he had, give it to the poor, and follow Jesus. The ruler’s response revealed what he really valued – just as the writer of 1 Timothy states “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.” 1 Timothy 6:10

We need to remember that it is the joy of serving, the satisfaction of being someone else’s “thankful” where we see glimpses of eternal life.

The treasures of earth do not last,
But God has prepared us a place
Where someday with Him we will dwell,
Enjoying the riches of grace.  — Dave Branon

Pastor Dave