19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (NASB)
Treasure has always fascinated me. As a boy, I loved to read stories and watch movies about people who find buried treasure. Now that I am an adult, the idea of possessing a fortune is compelling. Of course, that treasure is worldly and material. I have found material possessions don’t last….
Money doesn’t last and loses its value. Cars wear out. Houses get old and need renovation. Clothes wear out. It makes no sense to look to possessions for fulfillment, yet most people do. Is this what Christians are supposed to do?
If we study the verses above, we see clearly the Treasure Jesus wants us to value is not worldly wealth. I have heard numerous preachers expound their health, wealth, and prosperity gospels to eager listeners. They teach God wants all believers to be free from suffering and be wealthy in the World’s goods. I have read the bible cover to cover many times and I cannot find anywhere in those sacred pages where God places material wealth above spiritual maturity. Yes, He blessed Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He blessed Job. He blessed David and Solomon. He blesses all of us according to His sovereignty, but that is not what we are to desire above all.