Matthew 6:19 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal”
From the moment we enter this world, we learn to crave comfort. We prefer fullness over lack, ease over struggle, and abundance over scarcity. Society reinforces this instinct, constantly reminding us that happiness is found in acquiring more: more possessions, more status, more security. And for a while, these things do give a sense of satisfaction. A new car feels exciting, a bigger home feels reassuring, and the latest phone sparks joy. Yet, beneath all of this, a quiet truth remains; none of it lasts.
Everything we accumulate in life comes with an expiration date. Cars age and break down. Homes eventually decay. Technology becomes outdated almost as soon as it is purchased. Even the most treasured items wear out, lose relevance, or slip from our hands in unexpected moments. No matter how tightly we hold on, earthly things simply cannot provide permanent peace or lasting fulfilment.
In the midst of this reality, Jesus offers a radically different way to live. He invites us to invest in what cannot fade, be stolen, or deteriorate: treasures that carry eternal weight. Instead of obsessing over what we can store, build, or protect on earth, He urges us to fix our eyes on what holds value in heaven. This shift frees our hearts from the endless cycle of wanting, collecting, and worrying, and opens us to a deeper, richer joy that material things can never produce.
Recognising that everything we own is ultimately a gift of grace helps break the grip of materialism. When we see our possessions not as trophies but as tools: things entrusted to us rather than owned by us, our perspective begins to change. Generosity becomes more natural. Gratitude replaces fear. And instead of obsessing over what we might lose, we start focusing on the eternal impact we can make.
Heavenly treasure grows every time we choose love over self-interest, kindness over competition, compassion over convenience, and generosity over greed. It grows when we support someone in need, give time to someone who feels forgotten, or share our hope in Christ with someone searching for meaning. These acts may seem small, but they ripple far beyond the moment. They echo into eternity.
So the question becomes: Where is your heart invested? Is it anchored to things that will fade or aligned with a purpose that will endure forever? Consider what God has placed in your hands: your time, abilities, resources, and influence. None of these was given by accident. Each one carries the potential to touch lives, bring healing, and point others toward the hope that never expires.
Take a moment and reflect: What simple step can you take today to loosen your grip on earthly treasure? What have you been blessed with that could become a blessing to someone else? As you bring these questions before God, He will guide your heart toward what truly matters and toward the kind of treasure that lasts forever.
Amen.
SIX KEY TAKEAWAY POINTS
Earthly possessions bring temporary comfort but can never provide lasting fulfilment:
Everything we gather here eventually fades, breaks, or loses its value.
Jesus calls us to invest in treasures that hold eternal significance:
These treasures remain untouched by time and unaffected by loss.
Seeing our possessions as gifts of grace transforms how we use them:
We become stewards instead of owners, open-handed instead of fearful.
Heavenly treasure grows through love, generosity, service, and compassion:
Every act of kindness contributes to something lasting and meaningful.
True wealth is measured not by accumulation but by impact:
What we pour into people’s lives carries far greater value than what we store.
Shifting our focus begins with small, intentional steps:
Asking God how to use what we have opens the door to eternal influence.
