“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-20)
 
With these words, Jesus taught a counter-cultural principle to His disciples. Instead of gathering wealth and treasures on earth, they were instructed to save treasures in Heaven. To do so, they would need to remember that they were just pilgrims on the earth. Money was a tool to be used, but not a treasure to be cherished. Looking forward to Heaven, they were to send their riches on ahead. And, as believers today, Jesus’ command is for us, too.
 

Here are 5 ways to lay up treasures in Heaven.

 
Tithe to your local church.

“And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord.”
Leviticus 27:32
 
As defined in this verse, the tithe is 10% of your income. Beginning with Abraham in Genesis 14, God’s people have paid tithes. Old Testament Jews gave a tithe to the Temple to provide for the priests and the upkeep. In the New Testament, believers contributed to support apostles, church leaders, and local churches.
 
Today, we believe that tithing is a step of obedience to God’s Word. It helps the church pay for electricity and water bills, upkeep, programming, and salaries. In Malachi 3:8, God rebuked His people for not tithing. And He promised a blessing to those who tithe, 
 
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10)
 
At the local church’s prison ministry, we believe that God will bless us when we tithe.
 

Give to those who can’t pay you back.

“But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.”
Luke 14:13-14
 
In these verses, Jesus gave us a model of selfless giving. Each of us can probably name people who are struggling in our community. They may have a disability, serious illness, or financial hardship. When we give to these people, without expecting a return, this is laying up treasures in Heaven. 
 
How can we give to these people?
 
-Invite them over for dinner at your home (or bring a home-cooked meal to them!)
-Take them out for coffee, and listen to their troubles sympathetically.
-Slip an envelope with grocery gift cards into their front door.
-Visit them with a bouquet of flowers, and tell them you’re praying for them.
-Offer free babysitting if they have children.
 
Ask God to show you how you can serve needy people! Besides laying up treasures in Heaven, you will find satisfaction and joy in serving others.
 

Live simply. 

Before He told them to lay up treasures in Heaven, Jesus told the disciples NOT to lay up treasures in earth. How does this apply to us?
 
In order to have the flexibility to give generously, we need to live simply. Here are a few examples:
 
-Not purchasing the latest iPhone, because the one we have works fine
-Living within our means (no lattes on the credit card!)
-Being content with last year’s coat instead of buying a brand new Canada Goose coat
-Not building collections of “stuff” that we will never use- whether that is sporting equipment, books, clothes, or cars
-Knowing how to tell ourselves, “No,” or, “Later,” when we want something.
 
In order to live simply, we’ll need God’s help to develop self-control. It’s not easy in today’s materialistic culture. But this step is absolutely essential. We can’t lay up treasures in Heaven AND Earth at the same time. 
 

Invest in missionary work.

At the local church’s prison ministry, we believe that the Great Commission should be the focus of every believer. Yet we also know that some people have a special call from God to invest their lives in missions. Whether they serve in Quebec, Spain, or the jungles of Brazil, missionaries are doing eternal work. They are winning souls to Christ and discipling saints. When we invest in their work, we are laying up treasures in Heaven.
 

Give of yourself.

Even more than your treasure, God wants to have your heart. He wants all of you…. your time, your energy, and your talents. Like the householder of Matthew 25, God has entrusted you with talents to be used in His service. Seek His direction on how to invest those talents. When you use your gifts for God, you are laying up treasures in Heaven.
 

Eternal Rewards

The joy of laying up treasures in Heaven is that, someday, we will get to enjoy them. We’ll get to spend eternity delighting in God’s presence and enjoying His rewards. How much better is this than any bank account, motorboat, or BMW on earth! Friends, let’s live in light of eternity.
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Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!

For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com