The Commands of Christ - 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

What does this command require?

Do not store up treasures (things of value) on the earth, but store up things of value in heaven.

What truths do we learn through this command?

We learn, first of all, that the things of the earth are temporal and passing away. Jesus says that moth and rust destroy and thieves break in a steal. Think about it, anything physical on this earth can be destroyed or stolen. The cars of 40 years ago are worn out, rusted, and broken. Houses fall into disrepair. Clothes wear out. The body grows old and wears out. Money and possessions can be stolen and lost. Not too long ago, I experienced some Internet fraud for the first time. It was a frustrating process to get out of, but it made me realize that money can even be stolen electronically. There is no hope for the treasures of this earth. At most, you will only keep them for your lifetime. After you die, someone else gets your treasures.

Secondly, the treasures of heaven are protected from being destroyed or stolen. Moths and rust can't get their destructive fingers on heavenly treasures. Thieves can't break through the heavenly security system. Heaven, the place where God dwells, is the place of eternal treasure. Which investment is the better investment--earthly treasure or heavenly? Destructible or indestructible? Temporal or eternal?

We also learn that our treasure reveals a lot about our heart. Often we think that we can hide what our hearts are really about. We think that we can hide our passion for the lusts and pleasures of this earth. Jesus says that your treasures will show where your heart is. So the question is: what does your treasure reveal about you? Does your treasure reveal that you are living for this earth? Or does your treasure reveal that you are living for heaven? Trade in your temporal treasures for the treasures of eternal value that cannot be destroyed.

What are the consequences for disobedience?

lack of eternal treasure, painful loss of temporal treasures when they are destroyed or stolen, attachment to this world.