The Bible has a lot to say about earthly treasures and material possessions. Jesus specifically warns about storing up treasures on earth in Matthew 6:19-21:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)
So what did Jesus mean by “earthly treasures”? Based on the context of this passage and other Bible verses, we can identify a few key characteristics of earthly treasures:
Money and Material Possessions
One of the most obvious earthly treasures is money and material possessions. This includes things like money, jewelry, clothing, cars, houses, land, and any physical items we collect and store up here on earth. Jesus warned against stockpiling these things for ourselves because they do not last.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19 ESV)
Money and possessions can be easily destroyed and lost. Moths and rust represent the gradual decay of material things over time. Thieves represent the risk of suddenly losing our valuables. Storing up earthly wealth is futile because it can disappear at any moment.
Comfort and Luxuries
Earthly treasures include the comforts and luxuries we surround ourselves with. Things like fancy clothing, gourmet food, elegant homes, and cushy lifestyles. While not inherently wrong, Jesus warns against finding our security and satisfaction in earthly comforts.
“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15 ESV)
If we derive our sense of worth and meaning from the comforts of this world, we will never be truly satisfied. Our hearts remain restless, constantly desiring more. Luxuries often distract us from what matters most.
Worldly Achievements and Success
Another earthly treasure is building our identity and legacy around worldly achievements and success. This could include pursuits like fame, influence, power, degrees, awards, promotions, popularity, and status. Jesus recognized the tendency to find our worth in the praise and recognition of others.
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1 ESV)
If our life’s goals revolve around becoming great in the eyes of the world, we are chasing after wind. Status, influence, and awards cannot satisfy the soul’s deepest longings. They leave us empty and always wanting more.
Why Are Earthly Treasures Dangerous?
The pursuit of earthly treasures and temporary things is dangerous for several reasons:
- They promote self-reliance rather than reliance on God. When we stockpile earthly treasures, we are trusting in our own abilities and resources to provide security and happiness. This is a form of idolatry.
- They never fully satisfy. Our longing for more possessions, comfort, and success in this world is insatiable. Chasing these earthly treasures only leaves us dissatisfied and empty inside.
- They distort our priorities. Pursuing earthly treasures consumes our time, energy, and resources. This distracts us from loving God and people, which should be our highest priority.
- They are uncertain. As Jesus pointed out, earthly treasures can be destroyed and lost very quickly. Placing our hope in such uncertain things is foolishness.
- They cost us our souls. Jesus said we cannot serve two masters—God and money (Matthew 6:24). When we devote ourselves to chasing earthly treasures, it costs us intimacy with God.
Rather than finding meaning in temporary things of this world, Jesus points us to what will last for eternity. He urges us to store up heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones.
What Are Heavenly Treasures?
In contrast to earthly treasures, Jesus tells us to store up “treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). What are some examples of heavenly treasures?
- An intimate relationship with God. Knowing God deeply as our loving Father is the greatest treasure we can pursue. Earthly wealth and comforts pale in comparison.
- Trust and obedience. Walking in holiness and living according to God’s ways is precious in His sight. These bring eternal rewards.
- Serving others. When we meet the needs of others, especially the poor and outcasts, we store up heavenly treasures.
- Sharing the gospel. Investing in the eternal destiny of others through evangelism and discipleship produces lasting fruit.
- Living for God’s glory. When we use our gifts and talents to honor God and point people to Him, we build His kingdom.
The key difference is that heavenly treasures have eternal value rather than merely temporary earthly value. They last forever because they revolve around deepening our relationship with God and advancing His kingdom.
How Do We Store Up Heavenly Treasures?
If we want to break free from pursuing earthly treasures and start storing heavenly ones, Jesus gave some clear instruction on how to do this:
- Repent and seek first God’s kingdom. We must turn from living for earthly things and start prioritizing God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
- Replace earthly mindsets with eternal perspective. Setting our minds on things above rather than earthly things is key (Colossians 3:2).
- Use earthly resources to advance God’s work. Our money and possessions should be viewed as tools for eternal kingdom impact.
- Find contentment in Christ. True satisfaction is found in knowing Christ as our all-satisfying treasure (Philippians 4:12-13).
- Hold this world loosely. Recognize that everything in this world is temporary and fading away (1 John 2:15-17).
As we grow in understanding the difference between earthly and heavenly treasures, we can break free from materialism and consumption. Our lives become focused on treasures that have eternal significance and value.
Bible Verses About Earthly Treasures
Here are some other helpful Bible verses about earthly treasures and possessions:
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15 ESV)
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21 ESV)
“For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” (1 Timothy 6:7 ESV)
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10 ESV)
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24 ESV)
These verses remind us that the treasures of this world are temporary and can lead us astray. They encourage us to keep an eternal perspective and cling to heavenly treasures rather than get caught up pursuing earthly wealth and possessions.
Examples of People in the Bible Who Struggled with Earthly Treasures
Many people in the Bible struggled with seeking after earthly rather than heavenly treasures. Here are a few examples:
- The rich young ruler was wealthy but valued his possessions too highly. When Jesus told him to sell everything and follow Him, he refused because he loved his earthly treasures more than God (Luke 18:18-23).
- Judas betrayed Jesus for a mere 30 pieces of silver. His love of money led him to betray the Son of God (Matthew 26:14-16).
- Ananias and Sapphira lied about the money they made selling property. They were more concerned about earthly riches than spiritual integrity (Acts 5:1-11).
- Demas deserted Paul’s ministry because he loved the earthly world. He pursued temporary pleasures over eternal kingdom priorities (2 Timothy 4:10).
These examples remind us of how prone our hearts are to wander from God when earthly treasures become our focus. We must be on guard against valuing the fleeting things of this world over our relationship with God.
How Should We View and Use Our Possessions?
Does this mean it’s wrong for Christians to own possessions, have savings, and enjoy any comforts? Not necessarily. The issue is our heart motivation and perspective. Here are a few principles for how to view and use earthly resources wisely and generously according to God’s kingdom purposes:
- Remember that everything belongs to God. We are merely stewards entrusted with managing His possessions for His glory.
- Ask God for a spirit of contentment. Be satisfied with daily bread rather than striving for luxury (1 Timothy 6:8).
- Avoid loving money and possessions. The love of money leads to all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).
- Hold earthly things loosely. Don’t cling tightly to temporary possessions that you cannot keep.
- Use wealth generously to serve others. Bless others, especially those in need, with the resources God has given you.
- Keep investing in eternal things. Make it a priority to build God’s kingdom with your time, abilities and money.
The key is keeping an eternal perspective. We should view all that we have as tools for advancing God’s kingdom and meeting the needs of others. Our identity and satisfaction must be rooted in Christ rather than earthly wealth and comforts.
Storing Up Lasting Treasure
Jesus’ words about earthly and heavenly treasures force us to confront the condition of our hearts. What are we chasing after? What do we value most? Are we seeking temporary things that will not last?
As followers of Christ, we are called to set our minds on things above rather than earthly things (Colossians 3:2). We trust God to meet our needs and find our satisfaction in Him alone. The treasures we store up are investments in God’s eternal kingdom. Our lives are centered around loving Him and serving others generously with all we have.
May God give us wisdom to discern between fleeting earthly treasures and lasting heavenly ones. May He wean our hearts from temporal things and anchor us in what will endure for eternity. As we seek God first and build our lives around His eternal kingdom, our true treasure and satisfaction will be found in Him.