{"id":3460,"date":"2016-05-29T09:00:15","date_gmt":"2016-05-29T14:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.barbdahlgren.com\/?p=3460"},"modified":"2016-05-01T22:11:43","modified_gmt":"2016-05-02T03:11:43","slug":"choose-to-lay-up-treasure-in-heaven","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barbdahlgren.com\/?p=3460","title":{"rendered":"Choose to Lay Up Treasure in Heaven"},"content":{"rendered":"

Another Year of Choices<\/em><\/p>\n

By Barbara Dahlgren<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Treasures<\/a>The story goes that when John D. Rockefeller died, someone asked his accountant how much did he leave? The accountant said, “He left all of it!” \u00a0It’s true. \u00a0As they say, “You never see a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer.” \u00a0No matter how much wealth we accumulate, we can’t take it with us when we go.<\/p>\n

Perhaps that’s why the Bible cautions us on the pitfalls of materialism which can enslave the heart, mind, and will. It’s not wrong to possess things, but it is wrong to let things possess us. Matthew 6:19 warns that having hearts wrapped up in treasures of the earth can be worrisome. Things can break, wear out, decay, get lost, or be stolen. A leaky water pipe might destroy your beanie baby collection, an earthquake could demolish your Precious Memories figurines, a fire can consume your Picasso, or a thief steal your money.<\/p>\n

Therefore, Jesus says in verse 20 that it is better to “lay up for yourself treasures in heaven…” where they cannot rust, be stolen, break or wear out. \u00a0But just what are these treasures and how do we get them to heaven without a U-Haul?<\/p>\n

When most people hear the word \u201ctreasure,\u201d they think of money, jewels, precious metals, or riches \u2013 things we hoard for our future. However, another definition is \u201csomething you value.\u201d Exactly what do we value most in this life? Think carefully before answering, because this treasure in heaven cannot be gained by accumulating and hoarding what we think is valuable, but giving it to others.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s true these scriptures encourage us to give generously to support God\u2019s work, that\u2019s only one aspect of what it encompasses. We cannot buy our way into eternity. Supporting our local church or heartfelt ministries financially falls into the \u201cthese things you ought to have done\u201d category mentioned in Matthew 23:23. But have we considered other ways to lay up treasure in heaven? For treasure in heaven consists of all<\/strong> those parts of ourselves which we give to God or extend to others in service and in love.<\/p>\n

Things like\u2026.<\/p>\n