(Scripture from the NKJV and KJV)
– But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven – where neither moth nor rust corrupts – and where thieves do not break through nor steal. – Matthew 6:20
We cannot lay up earthly treasures for ourselves and be rich towards God at the same time (Luke 12:21). The Bible warns us many times about the pitfalls and futility of asking for and accumulating worldly goods for personal profit and pleasure – James 4:3, for example. Materialistic and physical things are passing and fleshly – and all the fruits thereof only lead to death (Romans 6:21). It does not profit any of us if we gain the whole world and lose our souls in the end (Matthew 16:26).
Jesus told the parable of the wealthy rich man who simply pulled down his barns and built bigger ones to store all the increase of his goods – instead of sharing with others (Luke 12:16-20). What is the profit to us on earth when our goods increase – and the only thing we can really do is behold them with our eyes (Ecclesiastes 5:11) – or if we just have to build or buy bigger places to store them? And, it will be a witness against our flesh if we are heaping up goods and treasures to protect and preserve ourselves in the last days (James 5:3-5).
All the worldly things we may pray for in this life – and get – will one day fade away. They will turn to rust and dust. Our wealth and riches can’t save us – nor anyone we may know (Psalm 49:6-8). We are running a race here on earth – striving only to obtain an incorruptible inheritance reserved for us in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). It’s where we will receive an incorruptible crown of glory to wear forever (1 Corinthians 9:25). And, where our treasure is – so there will be our hearts (Matthew 6:21).
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