Building up treasures in heaven refers to living in a way that prioritizes eternal values and spiritual rewards over temporary, material gains. This concept, rooted in Jesus’ teachings, encourages believers to focus on actions and choices that align with God’s will and reflect His love, justice, and mercy. These “treasures” are not physical possessions but rather the rewards of living a life of faith, generosity, love, and service to others.
Here’s how the Bible explains this concept and practical ways to build up treasures in heaven:
1. Jesus’ Teaching on Treasures in Heaven
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus specifically calls His followers to focus on eternal treasures rather than the fleeting nature of earthly wealth:
- Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus is teaching that the things we value most shape our hearts. When we prioritize earthly treasures—money, possessions, status—they can distract us from spiritual growth and the eternal life that God offers. Instead, we should invest in actions and behaviors that have eternal significance.
2. What Are Treasures in Heaven?
Treasures in heaven are the spiritual rewards that come from living a life aligned with God’s will. These rewards include:
- Eternal Life: The greatest treasure in heaven is the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. By trusting in Him and following His ways, believers inherit eternal life in God’s kingdom.
- John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- Spiritual Growth and Character: Building virtues like love, humility, kindness, patience, and generosity are part of the treasures that last into eternity. These qualities reflect the character of Christ and grow within us as we follow Him.
- Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
- Impact on Others: Acts of kindness, service, and sharing the Gospel with others build treasures in heaven because they help advance God’s kingdom and bring His love to the world. Helping others discover the love of Christ has an eternal impact.
- Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
3. How to Build Up Treasures in Heaven
Here are some practical ways Christians can store up treasures in heaven:
A. Live a Life of Generosity
- Give to the Poor and Needy: One of the key ways to build up treasures in heaven is through generosity. Giving to those in need, without seeking recognition or reward, reflects God’s love and care for the marginalized.
- Matthew 6:3-4: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
- Share Your Resources: Instead of hoarding wealth, share it with those who are in need or use it to support the work of God, such as missions, churches, and ministries.
- 1 Timothy 6:18-19: “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age.”
B. Serve Others Selflessly
- Acts of Service: Serving others, whether through volunteering, helping a neighbor, or supporting a friend, builds treasures in heaven. Jesus Himself modeled service, and He called His followers to do the same.
- Matthew 20:28: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
- Humility in Service: Serving with humility, not seeking recognition or status, is highly valued by God. When we serve with the heart of Christ, we align our lives with His example.
- Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
C. Live a Life of Faith and Obedience
- Trust and Obey God: Obeying God’s commandments and living by faith, even when it’s difficult or counter-cultural, builds spiritual treasure. Jesus emphasized that loving God and loving others are the greatest commandments.
- Matthew 22:37-39: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
- Walk by Faith, Not by Sight: Building treasures in heaven requires a focus on the eternal and unseen rather than the temporary and visible. This means trusting in God’s promises, even when circumstances are challenging.
- 2 Corinthians 4:18: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
D. Share the Gospel
- Evangelism and Discipleship: Leading others to faith in Christ and helping them grow in their spiritual journey is one of the greatest ways to build treasures in heaven. Investing in the spiritual lives of others has eternal significance.
- Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
E. Endure Trials with Faith
- Persevering Through Suffering: Enduring trials and difficulties with faith and trust in God builds treasures in heaven. It demonstrates reliance on God and brings spiritual maturity.
- James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
- Rejoice in Suffering for Christ: When believers endure hardship, especially for their faith, it is seen as a way of storing up heavenly treasures, as it reflects a deep trust in God’s ultimate reward.
- Matthew 5:11-12: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”
4. Heavenly Treasures vs. Earthly Treasures
Jesus draws a sharp contrast between earthly treasures—wealth, possessions, status—and heavenly treasures—spiritual rewards, godly character, and eternal life. Earthly treasures are temporary and subject to loss, but heavenly treasures last forever.
- Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
- This teaching challenges believers to choose between serving God or pursuing wealth. A focus on accumulating earthly treasures can lead to idolatry and distract from spiritual growth.
Conclusion:
Building treasures in heaven means living with an eternal perspective—focusing on loving God, serving others, sharing the Gospel, and growing in Christ-like character. Unlike earthly treasures, which can be lost or destroyed, heavenly treasures are everlasting and reflect a life devoted to God. By prioritizing spiritual growth and investing in relationships, believers store up treasures that will have eternal value.
Here’s a poem titled “Treasures in Heaven”:
Treasures in Heaven
Not gold nor gems nor earthly gain,
Can soothe the heart or ease the pain.
The fleeting wealth of worldly store,
Will fade away, it lasts no more.
Yet treasures lie where moths don’t feed,
Where rust won’t taint or thieves won’t greed.
In Heaven’s vaults, they brightly shine,
Eternal gifts, divine, sublime.
A kind word here, a loving hand,
A heart that gives, a life that stands.
Each act of grace, each prayer we send,
Are treasures stored that never end.
Where love is sown, where mercy grows,
A harvest blooms that Heaven knows.
No wealth of man, no kingly throne,
Outshines the gifts that God makes known.
So seek not things that fade away,
But treasures pure that light the way.
For where your heart’s desire will be,
There lies your treasure for eternity.
Poem, Treasures In Heaven
Here’s a poem titled “Treasures in Heaven”:
Treasures in Heaven
Not gold nor gems nor earthly gain,
Can soothe the heart or ease the pain.
The fleeting wealth of worldly store,
Will fade away, it lasts no more.
Yet treasures lie where moths don’t feed,
Where rust won’t taint or thieves won’t greed.
In Heaven’s vaults, they brightly shine,
Eternal gifts, divine, sublime.
A kind word here, a loving hand,
A heart that gives, a life that stands.
Each act of grace, each prayer we send,
Are treasures stored that never end.
Where love is sown, where mercy grows,
A harvest blooms that Heaven knows.
No wealth of man, no kingly throne,
Outshines the gifts that God makes known.
So seek not things that fade away,
But treasures pure that light the way.
For where your heart’s desire will be,
There lies your treasure for eternity.