Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.
—Matthew 6:20
James Marshall discovered gold in Coloma, California on January 24, 1848. Thousands rushed to California, seeking fortune. The disastrous gold rush was on.
Jesus warned about the insecurity of earthly treasures and recommended heavenly ones that are moth-proof, rust-proof, and burglar-proof (Mt 6:19–21). Navigating the earthly present and heading for the heavenly future, we have powerful incentives:
- Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Rom 8:38–39).
- The Holy Spirit and Jesus are interceding for us (Rom 8:26, 34).
- Jesus promises to come and take us to be with him (Jn 14:2–3).
- We have the assurance of an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade (1 Pt 1:4).
Earth holds no treasures but perish with using,
However precious they be.
Yet there’s a country to which I am going,||
Heaven holds all to me.
Be scrupulously selective in your choice of treasures.